Park injury a blow for United

Midfielder Park Ji-Sung may be unavailable for both legs of Manchester United FC's UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie against Olympique de Marseille after being ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 29-year-old Park recently returned to Old Trafford after a month on duty with Korea Republic at the AFC Asian Cup, where his side reached the semi-finals, but suffered an injury in training on Friday. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson explained: "It was very unfortunate because it was his last kick of the ball in training. We were really looking forward to having him back after being away at the Asian Cup. He'll be out for up to a month, which is a blow to us."

The club received better news with Antonio Valencia edging closer to full fitness after breaking his ankle and sustaining ligament damage in 14 September's 0-0 UEFA Champions League draw against Rangers FC. "The good news is that Valencia started training with the reserves on Saturday," added Sir Alex. "So he's on his way back and that will be a real boost to have him available for the run-in." United hope the 25-year-old Ecuadorean international will be able to play first-team football again in March.

United visit the Stade Vélodrome for the first leg of their tie against Marseille a week on Wednesday with the return leg scheduled for 15 March.