Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United could be without Park Ji-sung until 2008.
The South Korean is recovering from a knee operation and the injury was due to be reassessed in August.
But, speaking in Japan for the first leg of United's pre-season tour to Asia, Ferguson offered a bleak outlook for Ji-sung's return.
The Red Devils boss conceded that the midfielder will miss the opening months of the new season and lamented the setback for the former PSV Eindhoven ace.
"He will not be available until December or January," said Ferguson.
"It is very disappointing news, but hopefully we have the squad to cover injuries this year."
Ji-sung suffered the injury in the 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the end of March and it was not initially believed to be a serious problem.
He eventually underwent surgery in America, having missed the title run-in and, subsequently, the FA Cup final and South Korea's Asian Cup campaign.
Source : www.skysports.com
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 16 Jul 2007
