Fergie sweats on Park

South Korea star has minor surgery

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 24th July 2008

Park Ji-sung South Korea

Park: Injured on international duty

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Ji-sung Park is facing a race against time to be fit in time for the start of the new season.

The Manchester United winger recently underwent minor surgery after picking up a slight knock in a pre-season game for South Korea.

He is now back in England working on his rehabilitation, but is not guaranteed to be in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans when the Red Devils welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford on 17th August.

With the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo definitely ruled out for the opening weeks of the 2008/09 campaign, Ferguson had hoped to give Park a chance to stake a claim for a regular starting role.

The news that the Asian ace is facing another spell on the sidelines has not only come as a disappointment to the United management team, though, but also the player himself.

Manipulation

Park missed much of United's successful 2007/08 season through injury and would have been hoping to hit the ground running this year.

However, his manager remains quietly optimistic that the 27-year-old will be back in contention by the time the Red Devils begin the defence of their Premier League title.

"Park has had an operation. Well, more of a manipulation," Ferguson said.

"I hope he'll be back in time for the start of the season."