• Premier League

Rafael given the all-clear after Harewood collision

ESPN staff
January 26, 2011
Rafael da Silva's injury caused a 10-minute delay in Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Blackpool © PA Photos
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Rafael da Silva has been cleared of any serious damage after he was stretchered off in Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Blackpool.

Rafael, 20, was involved in a sickening collision with Marlon Harewood at Bloomfield Road and was taken to hospital for X-rays. He was quickly given the all-clear and was able to return to Manchester with his team-mates following the dramatic victory but United will rest the Brazilian for this Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash at Southampton, with John O'Shea likely to be brought in.

Sir Alex Ferguson told United's official website: "It's a straightforward one. He has concussion and will miss Saturday's game."

Meanwhile, Javier Hernandez has admitted he should have had a hat-trick at Bloomfield Road. The Mexican equalised 16 minutes from time, having failed to beat Richard Kingson with a similar opportunity not long after his introduction as a second-half substitute for Wayne Rooney.

It took his tally for the season to 10, but Hernandez might have also added to his side's lead during the 10 minutes of stoppage time.

"I could have had a hat-trick,'' he said. "But I always say the most important thing is that the team wins and we get the three points. It doesn't matter who scores. We just want the championship.

"We didn't play so well in the first half but we know the quality of the team and we knew we could score three goals in the second half. We were always confident we could get back into the game.

"Even if it had been 2-2 in the final minute we would have thought we could get a goal. This win was very important. We knew with these three points we would be at the top with a bit of a difference between ourselves and the rest.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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