Manchester United winger Nani out of Arsenal clash

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Nani would be out for the next three games, including the FA Cup tie against Arsenal.

In the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool, in which Nani played a key destructive role in the 40 minutes he was in action, the winger suffered a gash on his shin after a rash challenge from Jamie Carragher and had to be substituted.

It means the Portuguese will miss ties against Arsenal, Marseille and Bolton.

Ferguson said, We have managed to stitch the injury, which is good news. We need to guard against infection and swelling. It is difficult to say exactly when he will be ready to return but we won't get him back for the Bolton match next Saturday.

We do have a two-week break after next Saturday. He will be ready for the return of that, that's for sure.

According to reports Antonio Valencia and Park Ji-Sung were in line to face Arsenal after recovering from long-standing injury problems. However, Ferguson dispelled the speculation, saying, Antonio is difficult to assess because he has been out for such a long time. He has been training very well and is taking part in a few practice matches between the players.

It is deciding when we can put him into the cut and thrust of a game. There is a question mark over the timing but at some point, we are going to have to try it. It won't be tomorrow. Hopefully it will be quite soon.

On Arsenal, Ferguson went on, A quarter-final tie against Arsenal is always an exciting game. It is an opportunity to get to the semi-final, so we will be doing our best and we will play our best available team.