Neville blow for Red Devils
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has been sent for a groin operation.
Manchester United will be without the services of key defender Gary Neville for the next six weeks, as the England man has been sent for a groin operation.Neville had been making good progress from the injury he picked up against Debrecen in UEFA Champions League qualifying in august, but has suffered a setback which has necessitated the need for surgery.
"Gary went in for an operation last night and his loss is a big blow for the lad and for us," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on Friday.
"We feel it's better to get the situation sorted now and have him back for the rest of the season."
Injuries are starting to bite at Old Trafford, with Gabriel Heinze and Roy Keane long-term absentees, and the loss of experienced defender Neville in what is a key stage of the season will be a major setback for Ferguson.
Neville's absence will see John O'Shea continue at right back and result in Kieran Richardson getting an extended run in the team on the other flank.
The defender's absence will also be felt by England chief Sven Goran Eriksson, who will be without Neville for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Austria on October 8 and Poland four days later.
