Surgery sidelines Scholes

Paul Scholes will miss the start of Manchester United FC's UEFA Champions League campaign after undergoing knee surgery.

Knee operation
The England international midfield player is set to be out of action for the next three to six weeks. Having suffered the injury during a pre-season friendly game in Amsterdam last month, Scholes has been struggling for fitness in United's opening games and the decision was made to allow him to have treatment.

Important games
He will miss a number of important games, starting from next Saturday's domestic meeting with Leeds United AFC and Wednesday's opening Champions League fixture against Maccabi Haifa at Old Trafford.

International withdrawal
The midfield player had received criticism in the English press after pulling out of Sven-Göran Eriksson's side for last Saturday's EURO 2004™ warm-up game against Portugal at Villa Park, which England drew 1-1 in his absence.