Source: PA
Ferguson confirms Nani absence
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed winger Nani will not return until after this month's international break.
Nani was forced out of the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool last Sunday after sustaining a deep gash in a first-half tackle by Jamie Carragher.
Many observers felt the challenge warranted a straight red card rather than the yellow Carragher received and the player made a personal apology to Nani after the game.
As Ferguson did not speak post match, Friday was the first opportunity to get a public verdict on the injury and the United boss is reasonably happy with the treatment, even though Nani will not be fit for the FA Cup quarter-final with Arsenal, Tuesday's Champions League clash against Marseille or next Saturday's Premier League meeting with Bolton.
"We have managed to stitch the injury, which is good news," said Ferguson. "We need to guard against infection and swelling.
"It is difficult to say exactly when he will be ready to return but we won't get him back for the Bolton match next Saturday."
