Owen Hargreaves will not line up against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, contrary to reports in the media earlier this week.source
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the midfielder has picked up a calf injury and is not available for selection.
“Owen’s not ready. He’s injured,” Sir Alex said. “He got a calf injury and has missed training for the last few days.”
The news contradicts reports from across the Atlantic that suggested Hargreaves was set to make his first senior start since September 2008. Dr Richard Steadman, who has overseen part of Hargreaves’ rehabilitation, was quoted this week as saying: “Owen should play some part on Saturday.”
But Sir Alex insists the statement is “not accurate”.
“I pick the team and I have been doing that for a while,” he said. “We’re having some difficulties with the doctor [Steadman] in Colorado. It’s not fair to the player, to the fans and to ourselves to say the player is going to be playing. It’s ridiculous.
“It’s a small interference that has caused a bit of confusion. Owen’s not available for West Brom.”
One player who could take to the pitch is Ryan Giggs. The Welshman missed United’s games against Valencia and Sunderland after picking up a hamstring injury in the Reds’ draw at Bolton in late September, but Sir Alex says he’s now ready to re-enter the fray.
“Giggsy’s been out for a couple of weeks but he’s fit again.”
The boss also confirmed that all those involved in international matches this week returned to Carrington unscathed and applauded FIFA’s recent decision to schedule matches on Fridays and Tuesdays. Previously, those games would have taken place on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
“It’s a fantastic move to bring these games forward,” Sir Alex said, “particularly the Tuesday games. That gives us an extra day to prepare [for the weekend].”
At least this means his long time knee injury has subsided. Hate the fact that he got another one, though. Come on Hargo, we're rooting for you! Come back soon! We've missed you.
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