Sporting dealt double blow
United's opponents in next week's Champions League Group F opener,
Sporting Lisbon, have been dealt a double injury blow ahead of the
start of this season's European campaign.
Brazilian striker Derlei, who scored Sporting's first goal in the
new Portuguese season, has been ruled out of the group stages with
torn cruciate ligaments in his left knee, while full-back Pedro
Silva has suffered a similar fate and will also be out for six
months.
Derlei, a summer recruit from Dynamo Moscow, was a part of FC
Porto's UEFA Cup and Champions League winning sides, so has plenty
of experience on the European stage.
The 32-year-old sustained his injury in training last week and
tests have revealed the worst likely outcome. He will be out until
in the New Year.
Also facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines is fellow summer
signing Pedro Silva, who recently underwent surgery on his knee.
The 25-year-old Brazilian full-back also picked up his injury
during training. He will miss all six Group F matches against
United, AS Roma, and Dynamo Kiev.
After three games, Sporting are third in Portugal's Liga after
beating Academica 4-1 on the opening day of the season, followed by
1-0 defeat to rivals Porto, and a 1-0 win over lowly
Belenenses.