Keane Out for 3 Weeks

By David Hobbs
September 14 2005

Manchester United captain Roy Keane will be out for up to 3 weeks with a hamstring injury although reports claim he'll be on the sidelines until November.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has reiterated his intentions to stay at Old Trafford despite tempting links to La Liga giants Barcelona and Real

The Republic of Ireland and Red Devils skipper came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on the weekend but wasn't scheduled to make an appearance after picking up a hamstring problem.

Keane, 34, will definitely miss clashes with Villarreal tonight in the Champions League and Sunday's big fixture with arch-rivals Liverpool. He is also a doubt for the Republic's World Cup Qualifier with Switzerland.

Alan Smith, adapting to a new holding midfield role, or Darren Fletcher are expected to fill the midfield void over the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is in United's 19-man squad who face Villarreal tonight despite being left out at the weekend due to the death of his father.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]