Valencia Absence Raises Injury Concerns

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia will miss the club's trip the FC Cluj in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Ecuadorian was absent for the league defeat against Tottenham Hotspur and won't make the trip to Romania this week along with midfield trio Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick

Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are as expected both out with long-term injuries, while captain Nemanja Vidic begins his recovery from surgery following further problems with his troublesome knee.

Despite Valencia's injury being unknown, he was photgraphed leaving the club's training ground on crutches last week, with casing around his right foot, leading to fears over the 27 year old's previous fitness problems.

Valencia suffered a broken ankle in September 2010 and despite returning to first-team action later that season had further fitness problems during the next summer as he struggled to fully recover.

However, the former Wigan Athletic man enjoyed a fruitful campaign last season, and was among the club's most consistent performers as United fell short in their attempts to win a 13<sup>th Premier League crown.

Along with defensive duo Jones and Smalling, and winger Ashley Young, Valencia is the latest player to join the Old Trafford treatment table and with the club struggling to hit their straps so far this season, his absence is a huge blow to United.

The three-time European Cup winners take on a Cluj side who have won five successive European matches, including their opening group game against Braga and will seek to continue their winning start.

Returning striker Wayne Rooney insists United will go for the win against Cluj on Tuesday.

"It is a big game for us," Rooney said. "Hopefully we will get a win which will put us in a good position to go through so early on in the group. The next two Champions League games are big ones for us. We are looking to get maximum points.

"I still think it is exciting," he added. "It is a great competition to be in. You look at the teams involved and it is a great challenge for everyone. It is something I love playing in.

"We brought a lot of young players into the team [last year]. The Champions League is completely different to the Premier League. If you are not at your best you get punished, which is what happened to us last season. We have to make sure that won't happen again this year."