Fergie’s Man Utd Injury Update: Kagawa Blow, Smalling Back & More…

Manchester United play Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and Sir Alex Ferguson has given an injury update ahead of the game.

The bad news is that midfielder Shinji Kagawa will miss the top-of-the-table clash after picking up a knee injury during Tuesday’s 3-2 Champions League win over SC Braga.

The Japanese international moved to Old Trafford in the summer from Borussia Dortmund and has made a promising start to his United career, but Fergie has revealed the 23-year-old is now likely to miss “three or four weeks”.

Ferguson told Manchester United’s official website:

“Shinji will miss three to four weeks. It’s a knee injury similar to the one Ashley Young had but not as bad,”

“I think playing on with the injury did not help the situation for him, even though he did well to play on with it. It’s disappointing for him.”

There is more positive news on the injury front with defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones closing in on a first team comeback.

Smalling has returned to full training after missing the last five months with a broken metatarsal, while Jones is expected to return to training in just over a week. Ferguson continue:

“Smalling is back training on the football side of things,”

“Phil Jones will hopefully start full training a week on Monday so things are getting better on that front.

“Certainly getting Smalling back is a big bonus for us. Other than that, everyone else is available for Sunday’s game.”

Who should replace Kagawa this weekend? Are you happy to see Smalling and Jones return? Get involved in the comments section.

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