Manchester United skipper Gary Neville may need surgery to cure his calf problem, says boss Sir Alex Ferguson..
Ferguson said:
“The injury has been a concern. If it happens again we will have to take a long-term view and do something about it. If it keeps going on and on and on, we might lose him for a long period.”
Ferguson revealed that he is unsure what exactly is causing the problem.
He added: “Had it just been one calf, we would be saying to ourselves ‘give it time’. But because Gary is getting it in the left one as well, it suggests it is something different.”
Fluid which had been developing in Neville’s right leg has now started to appear in his left, prompting Neville’s half-time substitution at Blackburn a fortnight ago.
He then missed England’s friendly draw in Holland last week before returning to the United starting line-up for Saturday’s win at Sheffield United.
Although both Wes Brown and John O’Shea are capable of filling the right-back berth, Ferguson is keeping his fingers crossed the problem will rectify itself.
“Gary is our captain,” he said. “He has the experience and we want him in our team all the time.”