Offside News

Sports

Cleverley out due to damaged ligament

Comment: 0 September 12th, 2011 by: admin

RAMPAGING Manchester United will be without Tom Cleverley for a month after the midfielder damaged a ligament in his left foot following their smashing win over Bolton in the Premier League over the weekend.

A nasty challenge from Bolton striker Kevin Davies forced Cleverley to be taken off in the early stages of that match which the Red Devils eventually handily won 5-0 at the Reebok Stadium.

The 22-year-old Cleverley, who has been in excellent form for the defending champions, was earlier feared to have broken a bone but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said scans showed he damaged a ligament. Ferguson added the injury was not as bad as they first thought.

With his condition, Cleverley is expected to return to action by mid-October and will most likely be out for England’s vital match against Montenegro in the Euro 2012 qualifier next month. He will also miss United’s first two matches in their Champions League campaign.

Ferguson, who condemned Davies’ tackle no Cleverley, added United’s medical staff are currently assessing left-back Patrice Evra and defender Johnny Evans as they gird for their Champions League trip to Benfica on Wednesday.

Both Evra and Evans were also injured during their visit at Bolton. Evra was kicked on the knee cap, while Evans was kneed in the hip.

But Ferguson said he is optimistic they will be back soon.

Ferguson said Davies’ tackle was unfortunate. The latter was not cautioned for that but later picked up his 100^th league booking for another challenge on Evra.

Davies was not cautioned for the incident but shortly afterwards picked up his 100th Premier League booking after a challenge on Patrice Evra.

Cleverley is on England coach Fabio Capello’s plans to start for the Three Lions along with Phil Jones in a friendly against Spain in November.

“They will play in the next friendly games,’’ said Capello. “If we qualify, it will be an important chance for them to play.’’

 

More