Valencia sidelined for Red Devils
Posted Sunday, May 09, 2010 by PA
Antonio Valencia has been ruled out of Manchester United's Barclays Premier League encounter with Stoke.
The Ecuador winger suffered an ankle injury against Tottenham a fortnight ago and has now been sent on his holidays early by boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson reported no other injury concerns ahead of a game his side must win to stand any chance of retaining the title.
The Red Devils are also reliant on Wigan avoiding defeat at Chelsea.
With so much at stake for Carlo Ancelotti's men, it looks like a forlorn hope, which Ferguson is refusing to consider too deeply.
"It's pointless going into the game expecting anything from Chelsea in our favour," said Ferguson.
"I have confidence that Wigan will do their best and they will try.
"There's pressure on both us and Chelsea because we both need to win but I don't know what's going on in Chelsea's minds - all I know is that in this situation we just hope. You never know.
"But I will find out what has happened because there are TV people standing in front of you, people beside you and the crowd reaction sometimes tells you."
Stoke boss Tony Pulis will name the same starting XI for the third game running.
The Potters have responded to their 7-0 drubbing at Chelsea in impressive fashion with a draw against Everton and a win at Fulham.
Pulis will keep faith with his charges despite the return of captain Abdoulaye Faye (thigh), who will have to make do with a place on the bench.
Asmir Begovic will continue in goal with Thomas Sorensen recovering from a dislocated elbow.
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