Giggs facing cheekbone op

Ryan Giggs will undergo an operation after fracturing his cheekbone during Manchester United Champions League draw with Lille on Tuesday.

The Welsh winger initially played on after sustaining the blow during the second half of the drab 0-0 draw but it soon became apparent Giggs was badly hurt when he was replaced by Park Ji-sung seven minutes from time.

Sir Alex Ferguson stated immediately after the game Giggs had been caught by an elbow from former Arsenal defender Stathis Tavlaridis although he was unable to say whether or not it was deliberate.

Ferguson has not spoken further about the incident but after an examination by United’s medical staff, it has now been decided the injury is of sufficient severity to warrant surgery.

At a time when United are already without a host of senior stars, including Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Gabriel Heinze it is the last news Ferguson wanted to hear.

The United boss had already written the veteran wide-man out of Saturday’s encounter with the Tottenham but while club officials do not yet know how long Giggs will be sidelined for, it is likely to be weeks rather than days.