Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has admitted the extended absence of Gabriel Heinze is a major blow to his side's chances of glory this season.
The tough-tackling Argentinian full back has been ruled out for most of the season after injuring a cruciate knee ligament in Wednesday's Champions League draw with Villarreal.
Heinze was on crutches as he left Carrington training ground at lunchtime yesterday after scans revealed the injury was far worse than originally feared.
In the immediate aftermath of Wednesday's 0-0 draw, Ferguson said he thought his £6.9-million signing from Paris St Germain had only damaged medial ligaments and would be back within a few weeks. However, it now seems Heinze will be lucky to play again this season, and he will desperately hope his recovery goes well enough for him to be able to play in next summer's World Cup.
In a single season with the Old Trafford outfit, Heinze has already become one of the most influential players in Ferguson's squad, scooping both the supporters' and players' player-of-the-year awards last term.
Ferguson has confirmed England international Kieran Richardson will deputise at left back in tomorrow's high-profile duel with Liverpool at Anfield. But the Scot admitted Heinze's influence will be sorely missed.
"It is not good news," said Ferguson. "Gabby is going to be out for most of the season and that is a bad blow. It was one of those innocuous situations which you don't think anything serious will come from. But he landed awkwardly and that is what has done the damage."
Heinze joins a lengthy injury list, with fellow defenders Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Quinton Fortune all currently sidelined, along with captain Roy Keane and striking duo Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Meanwhile, Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will serve a one-match Champions League ban for his dismissal against FC Thun - even though Uefa's control and disciplinary committee had the power to extend the suspension to two or three games.
The Gunners have been given confirmation the Dutch international will miss their next group tie, away to Ajax on September 27th, following his reckless challenge on FC Thun defender Alen Orman.
Van Persie's dismissal for serious foul play by referee Grzegorz Gilewski came when he caught Orman in the face with a raised boot just before half-time at Highbury.
The Dutchman protested his innocence. Team-mate Dennis Bergkamp insisted he had been going purely for the ball, and Arsene Wenger also criticised the referee's decision.
Wenger is hoping to take advantage of Thierry Henry's lay-off with a groin injury to finalise a contract extension to keep the striker at the club beyond 2007. Henry will be out for six weeks. "It is a good opportunity and we will certainly try to use it but now I am more concerned about his health," said Wenger.
