Saha setback for United

Louis Saha has been ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring strain.

The Manchester United striker suffered the injury in training on Tuesday and was immediately sent for a scan by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson received the results on Wednesday, with confirmation Saha will be sidelined for almost a month.

While the period does include the two-week international break, the Frenchman will miss Saturday's FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough, the Barclays Premiership clashes with Bolton and Blackburn on March 17 and 31, and, almost certainly, the first leg of the Champions League quarter final at the beginning of April should the Red Devils progress.

"Louis has a hamstring strain and will be out for around four weeks," said Ferguson.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for United given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been ruled out until the end of the month following a minor knee operation.

In addition, Henrik Larsson is due to return to Sweden next week at the end of his loan period.

So, unless Ferguson reverses his stated intention to let Larsson leave without making any attempt to keep him, even for a short period, it means United will head into the Bolton game on Saturday week with only Wayne Rooney as a fully fit forward.

Alan Smith is also likely to be available but the former Leeds man has not made a first-team appearance since the Carling Cup defeat to Southend in November.