Carlos Tevez did not break his ankle following a heavy challenge in Manchester United’s victory over Birmingham yesterday, a scan has shown.
The Argentinean was carried off after 71 minutes at Old Trafford, having scored the game’s only goal in the first-half.
Sir Alex Ferguson had already said that the striker would miss United’s FA Cup tie with Aston Villa at the weekend, but the club has soothed fears that he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“Nothing is broken,” a club spokesman said. “Carlos Tevez has just got a badly bruised right ankle.”
As Tevez receives treatment for his ankle, another player coming back to fitness at United – Park Ji-sung – has spoken of his delight of returning to the first-team.
In the New Year’s Day defeat of Birmingham the South Korean midfielder made his first Old Trafford start since sustaining knee ligament damage against Blackburn in March 2007.
“It is nice to be back,” the 26-year-old said. “I played for 75 minutes so that will give me confidence.
“My knee feels 100 per cent and after the game I felt no reaction, so I am not afraid of getting injured again.
“I am very impressed with the reception I got from the fans. I have been away from the pitch for nine months so for them to remember me is fantastic.”
Following the 1-0 win yesterday, United are two points behind Arsenal at the summit of the Premier League after 21 games.
