United confirm Vidic out for two to three weeks

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic will be out for two to three weeks after injuring his left knee against Roma in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final in Rome, the club confirmed yesterday.

At first United feared the 26-year-old Serbian might miss the rest of the season, but in a statement on their website ( www.manutd.com ) yesterday, United said a scan showed the injury was not as serious as first thought.

"There is no major damage to the left knee, and he will be out for two to three weeks," a United spokesman said.

Vidic fell awkwardly in the first half of the 2-0 win over Roma at the Olympic Stadium and was replaced by John O'Shea after 31 minutes.

Although he will miss next week's second leg at Old Trafford and the Premier League match against Arsenal on April 13, he could be fit to return by the end of this month.

Vidic has missed only a handful of matches this season and his partnership with Rio Ferdinand in central defence has played a big part in United's assault on Premier League and Champions League honours.