Smalling joined Manchester United from Fulham in 2010
Sir Alex Ferguson says Chris Smalling is suffering from tonsillitis and will be fit to play next week.
The Manchester United manager dismissed fears the England defender faced a long lay-off with glandular fever at Friday’s press conference.
“I have seen the reports,” Ferguson said. “They are well wide of the mark. He has tonsillitis.”
Smalling could be back to play at Newcastle on Wednesday or Manchester City the following Sunday.
- Born: 22 Nov 1989, London
- Position: Defender
- Previous clubs: 2007-08: Maidstone United (12 apps), 2008-10: Fulham (13), 2010-Present: Manchester United (64)
- International: England (2), England Under-21 (15)
Ferguson admitted that United’s injuries “were a concern now” but hoped Phil Jones would be fit for Saturday’s clash against Blackburn at Old Trafford and said that Rio Ferdinand had an “outside chance” of being on the bench.
Ferguson says he sees Tottenham as one of the main challengers for this season’s Premier League title.
“They are playing the best football in the country,” he added. “They could win it on this form.”
And the United manager, who celebrates his 70th birthday on Saturday, said the club will look at exercising their option on Dimitar Berbatov’s contract in March.
The Bulgarian has six months left on his current deal but there is a clause that means United can offer an extra year.