Manchester United today confirmed winger Ryan Giggs will be sidelined until the New Year with a hamstring strain.
Giggs was forced to sit out last night’s Champions League 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich after damaging a hamstring in the pre-match warm up. He had recently recovered from a recurring leg injury.
The Welsh international started against Leicester City at the weekend but was substituted after 63 minutes.
"Ryan's pulled his hamstring and these things take around six weeks to heal," manager Alex Ferguson told the club’s official website.
As United prepare to do battle with Arsenal at Highbury on Sunday, Ferguson is likely to persist with Quinton Fortune as cover for Giggs.
The South African international has had little opportunity to impose himself at club but turned in a clever and competent performance against the reigning European champions last night.
Giggs has started only seven Premiership games this season.