Dimitar Berbatov Injury Adds To Sir Alex Ferguson's Headaches

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has been forced to pull out of his country's World Cup qualifying squad after leaving Craven Cottage yesterday with his foot in a cast.

The Bulgaria international's injury comes with a possible three match ban for fellow United striker Wayne Rooney after he was sent off in the 2-0 defeat to Fulham.

This leaves the club with Carlos Tevez as their only recognised striker, and while it is not known how serious Berbatov's injury is, it means Sir Alex Ferguson is in a difficult situation at a time when a fully-fit squad is crucial for his hopes for the season.

What is certain for the 28-year-old Bulgarian is that his foot will need to be rested for two weeks and he will not be able to play in his country's World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus.

Bulgaria's team doctor has received confirmation from the United medical staff that Berbatov will have to withdraw from the party.

Speaking to The Manchester Evening News, Bulgarian team doctor Mihail Iliev said, "There's no chance of Berbatov of playing against Ireland and Cyprus. I've spoken to Manchester United's medical staff and they informed me that he'll need to rest in the next two weeks and his foot will be immovable during that period."

United assistant manager Mike Phelan added that the club will be monitoring the situation of the former Bayer Leverkusen player.

He said, "Dimitar has got a good crack on his ankle. There is some swelling there and we are going to have that looked at."

United are currently in free-fall in the league at the moment, and will have to stop the run of bad results against Aston Villa in their next Premier League game.

Nick Turner, Goal.com