Injured Heinze admits he may miss World Cup

MANCHESTER UNITED’S Argentinian defender Gabriel Heinze fears missing the World Cup next summer through injury.

The United left-back tore his cruciate ligament in his left knee in September, and boss Alex Ferguson has cast doubt on whether he will return in time to compete in Germany.

Heinze sustained the injury in United’s 0-0 draw in Villarreal on September 14, and with a return to action still several months away, Ferguson said: “I know Gaby wants to play in the World Cup, every player would want that, but I can’t see it myself.”

Heinze admits he is forced to agree.

“I don’t see myself in the World Cup, but not because of Ferguson’s words,” he said. “I don’t see myself in Germany because I’m not playing at the moment.”

Heinze said too much had been made of Ferguson’s comments and denied any rift between him and his manager.

“I don’t mind talking to the boss. He knows me very well and I know him.

“But before playing for the national team, I must play for Manchester United. If I don’t play for my club, I wouldn’t play for my country.”