Soccer: Veron down at heel

Manchester United’s Juan Sebastian Veron is to see a specialist about his troublesome heel injury.

The Argeninian midfielder was absent when Manchester United flew to Spain for tomorrow’s Champions’ League quarter-final first leg against Deportivo La Coruna.

Veron had a scan two weeks ago on his heel, which revealed no broken bones, and now United fear he may have damaged his Achilles tendon.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: ‘‘We’re sending him to see a specialist. There is no break and it may be more to do with his Achilles.’’

The £28.1m (€45m) midfielder has only managed to start just one of United’s last four games because of the problem.

Veron is United’s only real injury absentee going into the game and his heel problem, at least, eases Ferguson’s problem of who to pick in midfield.

Ferguson also confirmed that striker Ruud van Nistelrooy would return to the side after being rested for Saturday’s win over Leeds.