Friday Feb 29 2008 14:46
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will rest Ryan Giggs for Saturday's trip to Fulham with the veteran winger struggling with a hamstring problem.
Giggs, 34, missed last weekend's 5-1 rout of Newcastle United after reporting a slight niggle following the midweek Champions League draw with Lyon.
And with United set to welcome the French champions to Old trafford on Tuesday for a last 16 second leg tie, Ferguson is taking no chances.
"Ryan is our one doubt. He's got a calf strain and I don't think he'll make it," he revealed.
"There is no need to risk Ryan. It's nothing serious and we have a strong enough squad (to cope). We've got an important game against Lyon on Tuesday, so hopefully he'll be ready for that."
Meanwhile, Ferguson expects Nemanja Vidic to face the Cottagers despite being replaced midway through the second half at Newcastle after taking a blow to the shin.
He added: "Other than that (Giggs' absence) everyone is fit."
Elsewhere, the veteran United chief has also revealed positive news concerning long-term absentees Mikael Silvestre and Gary Neville.
Neville has trained with the first team this week after making his comeback from ten months on the sidelines with calf and ankle problems, while Silvestre, who has not played since damaging knee ligaments in September, is also close to a comeback.
"Mikael may join the first-team in full training at the end of next week," he confirmed.
"Hopefully by the end of March we should have a complete and fully fit squad."
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