Sir Alex Ferguson allays Nani injury fears

11-Mar-2013 6:10:00 AM

The Portuguese winger pulled up with a hamstring concern just before half-time, being replaced by Antonio Valencia, but his manager is not expecting an extended lay-off

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has allayed fears of a long injury lay-off for Nani after the winger was forced off against Chelsea.

The Portuguese was substituted for Antonio Valencia just before half-time after pulling up with a hamstring concern, less than a week after being controversially shown a straight red card against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

United had built a two-goal lead over Rafael Benitez’s Chelsea when Nani was forced off - and the visitors fought back to force a quarter-final replay thanks to second-half goals from Eden Hazard and Ramires - and Sir Alex expects a swift return for the 26-year-old.

He told MUTV: "Nani got a little hamstring injury. I don't think it's too serious but nonetheless he had to come off."

Nani has recently returned to the United line-up after starting against both Madrid and QPR, with the top-of-the-table side looking to build on their lead over champions Manchester City, and Sir Alex admitted the injury was one of the more disappointing moments of the game.

He added: "That was a blow to us because Nani was playing very well at the time."

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