Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
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Neville suffers new setback

07 Dec 2007 - 13:48:47

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Manchester United captain Gary Neville has suffered another setback in his bid to return from a long-term ankle injury.

Neville, 32, has not made an appearance since damaging ankle ligaments in a game against Bolton Wanderers in March.

The England defender subsequently suffered calf and thigh problems which delayed his comeback even further.

Neville has seen several returns for the reserve side come and go in recent months, but had been linked with a surprise first-team appearance in next week's Champions League trip to AS Roma as the Red Devils are already assured of qualification to the knockout stages.

However, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the long-serving right-back has been sent back to an ankle specialist after suffering a problem.

"Gary's had another setback," he revealed.

"Obviously it's disappointing. He's gone back to the specialist for him to have another look at it but, at the moment, there's nothing positive on that at all."

However, Ferguson has calmed fears that Neville's latest setback could prove to be a career-threatening one.

He added: "It isn't getting serious. He just keeps getting niggling injuries.

"It's a concern that he gets small setbacks every time he gets ready to play. We need to sort it out and get him back as soon as possible."