United lose Berbatov for two games

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov will miss Saturday's Premier League match at Aston Villa (1730) and Tuesday's Champions League game at Villarreal (2045) with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with Bulgaria, manager Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday.

Defender Wes Brown faces four or five weeks out of action after undergoing an exploratory operation on an ankle injury, Ferguson also told reporters.

Berbatov was substituted after 30 minutes with cramp during Bulgaria's 6-1 defeat by neighbours Serbia in a friendly on Wednesday.

His agent Emil Danchev said yesterday that the player was expected to be out of action for between seven and 10 days.

"It is a slight strain rather than a tear, so that is positive news," said Ferguson.

The United boss also confirmed defender Wes Brown would be out for a "few weeks" after an exploratory ankle operation.

"I would have thought Wes will be out for between four and five weeks, which is disappointing," he added.

"Fortunately we have plenty of cover at right-back, with Gary Neville, Rafael Da Silva and John O'Shea available to come in."

Ferguson also revealed Rio Ferdinand was extremely doubtful to face Villa as he is continuing to be troubled by the back injury which ruled him out of last Saturday's destruction of Stoke plus England's midweek win over Germany.

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