Calf strain ruled Owen out

Owen Hargreaves suffered a slight calf strain in the warm-up before the 4-1 win over Derby.

The Reds midfielder was named in the starting line-up but was replaced by Michael Carrick shortly before kick-off.

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed after the match that he didn't want to take any chances with the 26-year-old's fitness.

"Owen had a slight strain in his calf in the warm-up," said the boss.

"We can't take chances at this time of year with the number of games we have in December, so we withdrew him and brought Michael Carrick in."

Fortunately, the injury does not seem serious and Sir Alex will be hopeful the combative midfielder will be available for selection against Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday.

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