11 Mar 2011 11:05:00
FA Community Shield – Chelsea vs Manchester United, Antonio Valencia(Getty Images)
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By Greg Stobart | Northern Correspondent
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Antonio Valencia will not feature for Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Arsenal.
The Ecuadorian winger was expected to return this weekend after suffering a dislocated ankle against Rangers in September.
Valencia, 25, has been training for three weeks and travelled with the United squad for last Sunday’s game at Liverpool, but Ferguson has decided he needs more time to build up his match fitness.
“He’s training very well and has played in practice matches,” the United boss told reporters on Friday morning.
“We have to decide when we put him into a first-team game. It’s about timing, being out for a long time. At some point we’ll try it. It won’t be tomorrow, but it will be soon.”
Ferguson faces a selection headache ahead of Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford, with Nani, Rio Ferdinand and Park Ji-Sung also ruled out as United challenge for a 12th FA Cup triumph.
Nani sustained a nasty gash following a challenge by Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher and Ferguson suggested the Portuguese winger could be pushing for a return against Bolton next Saturday.
Ferguson added: “We’ve managed to stitch it. Now we have to guard against infection. The swelling has gone down, which is good news.
“To give a date is difficult. Whether he’s fit to face Bolton is difficult to say, but we have a two-week international break and we’d hope he’ll be ready to return after that.
“We have quite a few injuries. I’m hoping some of them are all right to face Arsenal.”
Despite the injury problems, Ferguson insists he will select his best team against the Gunners and will not let his selection be influenced by the Champions League last 16 decider against Marseille on Tuesday.
“Injuries aside, there’s the importance of this as a cup tie,” he explained.
“It’s against Arsenal and these games are always exciting. There’s an opportunity to get to a semi-final so I’ll play my best team.
“Tuesday night against Marseille isn’t in our minds at this moment.”
