Manchester United forward Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez will miss his side’s Charity Shield clash against rivals Manchester City next weekend after manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the youngster will need plenty of time to recover from concussion.
The 23-year-old spent Wednesday night in hospital after being hit on the head with a ball in training ahead of United’s friendly 4-0 win over the MLS All-Stars and Ferguson admitted he was in no rush to bring the forward back to action.
“He was hit on the top of the head with the ball in the early evening. When he was back at the hotel taking his meal he was sick,” Ferghuson told reporters.
“He had headaches, so we removed him to the hospital where he stayed in overnight. They did the MRI scans, released him yesterday and he travelled down today.
“Concussion is something you don’t want to happen but usually time heals it and we’ll give Javier plenty of that.
“We won’t be rushing him back. I’ll only bring him back when the doctor tells me I can.”
When asked about comments from Chicharito’s former club docter Rafael Ortega Chivas de Guadalajara that the forward had, for years, complained of headaches from a young age, Ferguson replied: “I am not aware of that.”
Ortega had claimed to ESPN Sports Radio: “I remember in his time as a youth player at Chivas that he suffered from acute migraines – originally, it manifested itself as a headache. Afterwards, the symptoms disappeared. We had some studies done on him, but that was six years ago and he has done well since. I don’t know if there is a connection between the two situations.
“I don’t know if this can affect him in the future, but I’m sure United will send him to a specialist and the situation will be resolved.”
Meanwhile, team-mate Antonio Valencia looks set to play some part in United’s Premier League opener against West Brom in just over two week’s time after restarting training following an ankle injury sustained the injury playing for Ecuador.
“Antonio’s training now,” added Ferguson.
“He has been cleared and training for a week now. We expect him to be back for the start of the season.”
Ferguson’s men face off in a friendly against Barcelona on Saturday – the team they lost the Champions League final to back in May – and the Scot was again in awe of Pep Guardiola’s men.
“If I thought they’d play all their young players on Saturday then I’d play all mine. It would be a fascinating game,” he said.
“Barcelona’s performances and feats over the last two or three years have elevated them in everyone’s mind. Currently they are the best team in the world.
“It’s not just about the football team, it’s the philosophy – what they believe in, how they coach, how they produce young players.
“I’m quite happy to be in second place at this moment in time. Our challenge is to get to that level.”
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‘I won’t rush him back’ – Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirms forward Chicharito set to miss Charity Shield