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Saha Injury Not Serious, Says Sir Alex
Louis Saha and Gabriel Heinze could both be United's substitutes bench for the visit of Sunderland to Old Trafford on Good Friday.
Saha suffered an injury in training on Wednesday. Press reports speculated that a recurrence of an old ankle injury could rule the French striker out for the rest of the season.
On Thursday, Sir Alex confirmed that Saha had indeed suffered a knock, but insists the injury is not as bad as has been reported.
"Louis got an injury in training on Wednesday," confirmed the Reds boss at his pre-match press conference. "It’s not serious. He may be on the bench against Sunderland, and he’ll certainly be fit for Monday."
Gabriel Heinze, who hasn't played for United since damaging knee ligaments in the 0-0 draw against Villarreal back in September, could make his first appearance for United in over six months against the Black Cats.
"I think Gabriel Heinze will be on the bench," the United manager revealed. "It’s a possibility. He’s been training very well and we couldn’t ask any more from him.
"You can imagine what he has been like. He has been fantastic in training. He hasn’t shown any inhibitions in his attitude towards training. "He’s been getting stuck right in, it’s like he’s never been away.
"I know that when players come back from these serious injuries, sometimes there is a certain trepidation about it. They’re wondering if they are going to be OK. But he’s got right into it and had no problems at all.
"It’s good to have him back. He’s infectious and he’s committed – fans love that type of player."
Heinze is known to be targeting a place in this summer's World Cup finals. And Sir Alex wants to help give the Argentinian defender the best possibile chance of making it.
"The problem for him in terms of making the World Cup is that we only have five games left and Mikael Silvestre’s form has been absolutely fantastic. Therefore it makes it difficult.
"But we will give him games and the chance to impress the Argentina coach and their medical staff, to show them he is all right for the World Cup.
"We should give him every opportunity to go to the World Cup," Sir Alex added. "He's 28 next week and we can't deny him the chance of playing in the biggest tournament for any player.
"Looking at him in training, in a month's time he will certainly be ready for a big competition. It's just slightly unfortunate for him that we only have five games left in our season."
Eindelijk hij is bijna weer terug.
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