Riquelme ruled out for United visit

Villarreal CF will be without playmaker Juan Román Riquelme for the trip to Manchester United FC after he injured his left thigh today.

International exploits
Aware that his side can secure their progress with victory on Tuesday, Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini decided to rest his 27-year-old playmaker for Saturday's 0-0 draw against Real Zaragoza. But the coach's cautious approach backfired when Riquelme, who had travelled with Argentina to play in last week's 3-0 friendly win in Qatar, pulled up in training today.

Rooney reunion
The injury, which has seen him left out of the travelling party to England, means fans at Old Trafford will be denied the chance to see Riquelme reunited with Wayne Rooney, after the two No8's lit up the recent international friendly between Argentina and England. Riquelme also missed out on the goalless Matchday 1 meeting between the sides on 14 September.