United's medical staff have confirmed that Rodrigo Possebon has
not suffered a break after being stretchered off against Middlesbrough
on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian midfielder was in agony
following a challenge from Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz after
an hour of the Reds' 3-1 Carling Cup third round win.
A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com on
Wednesday morning: "We can confirm that Rodrigo did not suffer a break
to his right leg. He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and
to assess whether there was any ligament damage to his knee."
At
the moment, however, everyone at the club is just pleased to hear that
Possebon's injury is not as serious as it first appeared to be.
Sir
Alex said after the match: "For the kid to make his first start and get
an injury like that is pretty horrendous. I think everyone was numb for
about ten minutes afterwards and it killed our momentum a little bit. I
saw a few replays of it, but I don't want to see it again. It was just
terrible."
Despite being initially disappointed by Pogatetz's
reaction to his subsequent red card, but he praised Boro boss Gareth
Southgate for his attitude after the game.
"I couldn't
understand it [his reaction], he should have walked straight off," said
the manager. "One of the guys on their bench was screaming that it was
never a sending off and there was nothing wrong with Rodrigo.
Middlesbrough have apologised though. Gareth Southgate was very good.
He understood the gravity of it and was very apologetic."
Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz has apologised for the tackle that left Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon requiring hospital treatment on Tuesday night.
Pogatetz was shown a red card in the Carling Cup tie at Old Trafford as he clattered into the Brazilian youngster with a high tackle that resulted in Possebon requiring lengthy treatment on the pitch and Sir Alex Ferguson expressing his anger after the final whistle.
Tests have confirmed that Possebon did not suffer a broken leg but further tests are being carried out regarding possible ligament damage.
Following the controversy generated by the incident, Pogatetz has admitted referee Andre Mariner was right to send him off and confirmed he will speak to the United youngster in order to offer his apologies.
“Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball,” Pogatetz told the club’s official website.
“I now accept, however, that I misjudged the challenge.
“Immediately after the incident I did not think it was a red card offence because I did win the ball. But now that I have had the chance to see the tackle on TV, I know the ref was right to send me off.
“I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I have apologised for hurting him.
“I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long.”
so when will he be back?
GET WELL SOON!