Foster undergoes surgery on thumb

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster was ruled out of the Champions League final today after undergoing surgery on his right thumb.

The 26-year-old Foster will be sidelined for at least nine weeks, missing the 27 May final against Barcelona and the final Premier League round as well as England's summer internationals.

"It is big blow for Ben as not only will he miss the Champions League final but also England's summer internationals," United manager Alex Ferguson said on his club's Web site. "Ben has tried to continue the season with this injury, but it got so critical that an operation was the only way forward. It is disappointing for him but the important thing was to get this operation done."

Foster has made only 10 appearances for United since joining from Watford in 2005, establishing himself as the club's second- choice goalkeeper behind Edwin van der Sar. Foster made his England debut against Slovakia in March.