Van Nistelrooy battles to return for Milan tie
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ruud Van Nistelrooy will not be ready to return to action before the first leg of Manchester United's crucial Champions' League tie against Milan on 23 February.
The Dutch striker's Achilles injury, which began as a problem in his calf, has proved more complicated than first thought and he now faces a period out of football of between eight and 10 weeks as United try to get him fit for the Milan match.
As well as the Netherlands friendly against England on 9 February, Van Nistelrooy could miss up to nine Premiership matches, including the visit to Arsenal on 1 February.
Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, said yesterday: "I've got Alan Smith, David Bellion, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. I have got options so that doesn't distress me in any way, although we would rather Van Nistelrooy and Louis Saha were with us."
Manchester City have stopped short of sacking Joey Barton after he thrust a cigar into a team-mate's eye at the club's Christmas party, but the club chairman John Wardle admitted yesterday that he felt "badly let down" by the player. Barton, 22, has been fined six weeks' wages, with two weeks suspended for a year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments