• Champions League

Berbatov out of Basel clash

ESPNsoccernet staff
December 6, 2011
Dimitar Berbatov is struggling with an ankle problem © Getty Images
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Manchester United will be without striker Dimitar Berbatov for their crunch Champions League match against Basel.

United face Basel on Wednesday night aware they need to avoid defeat in order to secure qualification from Group C to the Champions League knockout phase.

Berbatov has been struggling with an ankle problem, but it was hoped he would recover in time for the Red Devils' key European encounter.

But the former Tottenham forward has lost his fitness battle and will join Javier Hernandez, who has been ruled out for a month with torn ankle ligaments, on the sidelines, meaning Danny Welbeck is in line to start alongside Wayne Rooney.

Federico Macheda and Mame Biram Diouf are also available, but midfielder Michael Carrick is missing through suspension as are long-term injury victims Tom Cleverley, Michael Owen, Rafael and Fabio.

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