Manchester United’s Berbatov Ruled Out Of Schalke Clash

Bulgarian striker Berbatov has scored 22 goals for United this season

Manchester United will be without top scorer Dimitar Berbatov for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg at German side Schalke 04.

The Bulgarian is still hampered by the groin strain which caused him to miss Saturday’s league win over Everton.

The striker was unlikely to start the game in Germany, but his absence denies United a potent attacking substitute.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he has no new injury concerns ahead of the encounter at the Veltins-Arena.

Captain and centre-back Nemanja Vidic and midfielder Park Ji-Sung were rested for Saturday’s match and should return to the side.

Full-back Patrice Evra and midfielder Michael Carrick were among the substitutes at Old Trafford – the former coming on in the second half – and should also be back in the starting line-up for Wednesday.

Midfielder Ryan Giggs also came off the bench against Everton and should start, making him the British player with most apperances in all European competitions (excluding Intertoto Cup matches).

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar can also achieve a couple of notable personal milestones by equalling former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele’s record of 13 Champions League semi-final appearances and potentially becoming the first goalkeeper to keep 50 clean sheets in the competition.

In the absence of 22-goal leading scorer Berbatov, Ferguson can continue with the effective pairing of Wayne Rooney and £6m summer signing Javier Hernandez in attack.

The pair have scored 32 goals between them this season, with Mexican Hernandez scoring his 19th to secure Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Everton at Old Trafford, which kept them in pole position to secure a record 19th Premier League title.