Man U: Battle of the wounded?

27 January 2009

Tonight's game against Manchester United looks like an opportunity for a number of fringe players on both sides to get some Premiership action. Albion have just found out that Jonathan Greening will be out for 4 to 6 weeks with medial ligament damage, and he joins an increasing list of players sidelined through injury. With Pele as the only fit centre half it looks like either Carl Hoefkens or Gianni Zuiverloon will have to play alongside him with the other one at right back, although Ryan Donk may be pressed into service despite limping off against Burnley on Saturday. In midfield, James Morrison is still missing - but apart from Greening everyone else looks to be available. Up front, Luke Moore and Craig Beattie have somehow managed to rule themselves out of action, but the loan pairing of Simpson and Fortun? look favourites to start with Roman Bednar on the bench.

In consolation, United aren't a great deal better off. Rio Ferdinand, Park Ji-Sung, Wes Brown, Danny Welbeck, brothers Fabio and Rafael, Patrice Evra, Anderson, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Jonny Evans are set to miss out while Cristiano Ronaldo is trying to shake off an illness. "You could do without these things," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

Previous Stories:

  16 December 2008:  Come in a taxi?

  09 December 2008:  Miller out for the season

  20 October 2008:  We don't play in black and white!

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