Injury blow for United as the Kagawa sidelined until months with knee injury

Shinji Kagawa feels the pain of an injury against Braga

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa faces three to four weeks on the sidelines of the premier league season with a knee injury.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the news at a press conference on Friday.

"Kagawa is out for three to four weeks with a knee injury. Playing on Tuesday (against Braga in the Champions League) does not help. It's disappointing," said Ferguson.

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On a positive note, Ferguson reports that defender Chris Smalling is back in training after a broken metatarsal.

"It was a big bonus for us," added Ferguson. "Phil Jones should start (training) a week on Mondays, too."

Jones suffered a knee injury in training last month.

Meanwhile, Ferguson also welcomed the decision of United defender Rio Ferdinand to issue a statement, along with his brother Anton, on Wednesday night in which they explain their positions on the issue of racism in the game.

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Both players refused to wear a T-shirt to support the Kick It Out anti-racism campaign group before their club matches each, with Rio's decision to boycott the first campaign drew an angry reaction from Ferguson.

The joint statement they praised the 'fantastic job' done by Kick It Out, but still expressed their disappointment at the FA action in relation to the handling of the case of John Terry. Chelsea defender given a four-match ban for racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand.
"Rio and Anton has done the right thing with that statement," said Ferguson. "It has been bubbling along, and the issue of racism has not completely disappeared. PFA I am sure are doing their best. FA, UEFA and FIFA need to do more."