Doubts over United duo
02 Oct 2006 - 08:16:09
Manchester United duo Gabriel Heinze and Louis Saha may be forced to pull out of their international squads after Sir Alex Ferguson admitted they were both struggling with injuries.
Heinze was substituted in the first half of Sunday's 2-0 win against Newcastle United after picking up a hamstring injury and looks set to miss Argentina's international friendly against Spain.
Saha is struggling with hamstring and groin strains and Ferguson confirmed: "Louis is our main concern, that's why I didn't play him against Newcastle. He has a groin injury and a tight hamstring.
"We'll report that to France and hope they understand and treat it with the right care. If he's fit, he can play. If not, then I don't think he should be on the list."
Meanwhile, Ferguson was quick to praise Norwegian star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who scored both the goals in Sunday's success. They were his first Premiership goals at Old Trafford since April 2003 and Ferguson said: "It's great for the fans because he's idolised here of course.
"He's got four goals now this season - Louis (Saha) had better watch out!
"Ole is getting better, believe me, almost every week. Since he started pre-season training this summer, he's not missed a session. He's got such a terrific application towards playing football and understanding of the game.
"He also has fantastic belief in himself because, when he was out for the length of time he was, we had doubts. But he had no doubts. He was confident he'd be back.
"He decided to take the operation when he knew it would keep him out for a year-and-a-half. So that shows great courage and self-belief."