Manchester United to face Villa without Berbatov

Updated 15.51 Fri Nov 21 2008
Keywords: Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United, Aston Villa, football, Premier League

Dimitar Berbatov will miss Manchester United's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury on international duty with Bulgaria.

Berbatov limped out of the encounter with Serbia, sparking fears the £30.75million record signing had suffered major damage.

Dimitar Berbatov will miss Manchester United's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday after picking up a hamstring injury on international duty with Bulgaria.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the 27-year-old has not suffered a tear, although he will also miss Tuesday's Champions League clash with Villarreal and possibly next weekend's Manchester derby.

"It is a slight strain rather than a tear, so that is positive news," said Ferguson.

The United boss also said defender Wes Brown would be out for a "few weeks" after an exploratory ankle operation.

"Fortunately we have plenty of cover at right-back, with Gary Neville, Rafael Da Silva and John O'Shea available to come in."

Ferguson also revealed Rio Ferdinand was extremely doubtful to face Villa as he is continuing to be troubled by a back injury which ruled him out of last Saturday's destruction of Stoke plus England's midweek win over Germany.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.