Van der Sar hopes for Lille return
Thursday, 08 Feb 2007 17:16
Van der Sar was forced to sit out Holland's midweek friendly
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is targeting his side's first Champions League knockout match against Lille for a return to first-team action.
The 36-year-old stopper suffered a broken nose during United's 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
He was taken off late on and replaced in goal by outfield utility man John O'Shea, who managed to preserve the Dutchman's clean sheet with an impressive stop from international team-mate Robbie Keane when the striker latched on to a poor Rio Ferdinand backpass.
Van der Sar was forced to stay in hospital overnight after the match. He was escorted from the pitch looking slightly dazed and it was found that he had suffered a mild concussion as well as a fracture.
Immediately after the game, United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said: "Edwin needs a scan. We must wait and see what kind of fracture he has."
But on his own website, Van der Sar has predicted that he could be back in training later this week in a bid to regain his place in the team within a fortnight. The first leg against Lille will take place in France on February 20th.
In the meantime, Van der Sar will be replaced with highly-rated Polish international Tomasz Kuszczak for Saturday's home game against Charlton Athletic in the Premiership.