Berbatov injury not as bad as Fergie feared

Alex Ferguson has downgraded Dimitar Berbatov’s latest fitness problem from a recurrence of a knee injury to a dead leg.

The Bulgaria striker, United’s record 30.75-million-pound signing, now still has an outside chance of playing in Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City at Eastlands.

Berbatov scored the opening goal in champions United’s 3-0 Premier League win over Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday but was substituted before full-time.

After the match, Ferguson said the former Tottenham Hotspur forward had suffered a recurrence of a knee injury which Berbatov has been advised requires an exploratory operation.

However, Berbatov had in fact only suffered a dead leg and while he may not be fit enough to face City, he should be available for Saturday’s league match against Hull.

“I thought Dimitar had got a knock on the knee. It turned out it was a dead leg and we are having a look at it,” Ferguson said Monday.

“I am hoping he will be all right but he is a doubt and we will see what he is like in the morning.”

Ferguson added that veteran forward Ryan Giggs would not feature in Tuesday’s derby tie for the League Cup holders and nor would Rio Ferdinand, even though the England central defender is nearing full fitness after three months out with a back injury.

“Rio is training quite well now,” Ferguson said. “He is a lot closer now but he is not in contention for tomorrow (Tuesday).”

Meanwhile, with United having suffered a shock FA Cup exit at the hands of third division Leeds, Ferguson said he would include some senior players in his team to play City despite having used the tournament in the past as an opportunity to blood young talents.

“I have got to think about getting a mix in terms of the programme we have got and also the fact I have given young players a game in the past,” he said.

“I will have a strongish team but there will be some young players as well.”