Silvestre sidelined as United feel fixture strain
The French full-back suffered an ankle injury in the Champions League win over Juventus on Wednesday and has already been ruled out of the return match in Turin next week as well as today's Premiership encounter with Bolton.
A scan on the injury on Monday will reveal how bad it is but Silvestre was probably hoping for a rest anyway.
The Juventus game was his 43rd club appearance of the season, more than any of his team-mates.
There is no sign of United's schedule easing either, with the club well placed for a Champions League quarter-final spot and still pushing Arsenal for the Premiership title. With his team currently embroiled in a run of 12 games in 46 days, Alex Ferguson admits preparation for games is far from ideal - and virtually non-existent for today's visit to the Reebok Stadium.
"We have done nothing for the game tomorrow," said Ferguson yesterday.
"The players came in and did a warm-up and stretch just to get the tiredness out of their legs from Wednesday's game.
"Playing matches every three days or so has been part of this club for years, and you depend on the players' experience to grind out a performance.
"I look at the 10 days in April when we have Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal three league games in a row.
"They are really important days. But you can't minimise the fact that in order to get ourselves into a good position then we have to do the business now."
Paul Scholes looks set to join Silvestre on the sidelines today after aggravating a groin strain against Juventus, but the bad news is tempered by the return of Juan Sebastian Veron who has missed two games with a toe injury.
Trotters boss Sam Allardyce is a firm favourite of Ferguson, who believes his rivals' battling qualities can drag the Lancashire side to safety.
But there will be no gifts on offer from the visitors. After their derby-day draw, United are desperate for three points to apply pressure on Arsenal and are wary of opposition who have recorded successive Old Trafford victories against them including this season's Kevin Nolan-inspired triumph.
In contrast to the Red Devils' rushed preparation, Bolton have been able to enjoy a short spell in Dubai.
"It's a nice time to be in Dubai," smiled Ferguson. "They are very lucky.
"We know the game will be tough because Bolton are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table and will be desperate for points.
"I like Sam. He is a terrific character and really has made a silk purse out of a sow's ear given the money he has to spend.
"They have every chance of getting out of trouble, but today's result is important to us as well for our own reasons.
"The early minutes will be very important.
"We need to start properly because Wednesday's game was really tough, quick and tense and that can tire players out in itself.
"I hope we have recovered well. But we must make sure we start right, so we can get into the flow of the game."
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