Calf injury: United skipper Nemanja Vidic
Manchester
United have been dealt a hammer blow
ahead of their Champions League second leg against Marseille - with
captain Nemanja Vidic almost certainly ruled out by a calf
injury.
News that winger Nani is set to complete a remarkable
recovery from a badly gashed shin - by playing just four days after
he had been ruled out until next month - was almost immediately
overshadowed by the bleak update on Vidic.
The Serbia defender only returned from suspension in
Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, but picked up a
knock in the 2-0 win and was unable to train on Monday.
On the ball: Nani (right) could return sooner than
expected for Manchester United
United are keen to have Vidic available for
Saturday's Barclays Premier League game against Bolton to combat
the physical presence of Kevin Davies.
'He was getting treatment,' said Sir Alex Ferguson. 'He's
tough enough but couldn't train in the morning.'
With Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans out, it means the
United manager might have to rely on the central defensive
partnership of Chris Smalling and Wes Brown which proved so
vulnerable against Liverpool nine days ago.
Although Smalling has made outstanding progress this
season and was arguably the best player in the goalless first leg
in Marseille, the 21-year-old looked less assured at Anfield as
United lost 3-1.
United will want to avoid conceding an away goal against
the French champions as they seek the win which would put them into
the quarter-finals.
At least there was better news on Nani. Ferguson admitted
he did not expect to see the forward back in action before April
after hitting out at the 'disgraceful' tackle from Liverpool's
Jamie Carragher that cut the Portugal star's shin.
However, a successful attempt to stitch the wound appears
to have speeded up the healing process dramatically.
Swift recovery: Nani was not expected back in
action until next week after he injured his leg at
Liverpool
Ferguson must now decide whether to name Nani in
his starting line-up, with Antonio Valencia also available after
coming through 45 minutes against Arsenal.
The United boss also confirmed Michael Carrick is expected
to play after recovering from calf and groin injuries. He said:
'Nani's got a good chance. He trained on Sunday along with Michael
Carrick, which is a better situation than we had at the weekend.
Both will be involved tomorrow.
'It was a fantastic bonus for us to get 45 minutes from
Antonio considering he's been out for such a long time.'
Ready to go: Manchester United players are put
through their paces at Carrington
