UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Hamstring injury rules Valencia out of Ajax return

Manchester United FC winger Antonio Valencia has been sidelined for a month with a hamstring complaint suffered in Thursday's 2-0 win at AFC Ajax and will sit out the second leg.

Antonio Valencia will miss the second leg against Ajax after being laid off for a month
Antonio Valencia will miss the second leg against Ajax after being laid off for a month ©AFP

Manchester United FC midfielder Antonio Valencia will miss next Thursday's UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg against AFC Ajax at Old Trafford after being ruled out for a month with a hamstring problem.

Winger Valencia, 26, sustained the injury in the build-up to Javier Hernández's 85th-minute goal during Thursday's 2-0 first-leg victory in Amsterdam and will also sit out key Premier League fixtures against Norwich City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC.

"He has a hamstring injury unfortunately," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after the match at the Amsterdam ArenA. "It will be four weeks. It's a blow to lose Valencia, but bit by bit we are getting stronger with Nani and Ashley Young coming back.

"Tom Cleverley has played a bit of football and Phil Jones has played a full game which is good for us. Chris Smalling was on the bench but will play in the return match at Old Trafford on Thursday."