From correspondents in London, England, 05:02 PM IST

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been ruled out for three months and will undergo an operation on his injured knee Thursday.

The 32-year-old midfielder sustained the injury during training, prior to United's Champions League win over Dynamo Kiev last Tuesday.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said Friday that the first scan was inconclusive, but a second examination Monday confirmed that Scholes had damaged his ligament and now would be out of action until February.

It is a big blow for United, as Scholes has been one of the pillars of Ferguson's side. The midfielder's ability to score goals in a crunch situation has been a key towards Red Devils successes down the years.

Scholes has already made an amazing comeback from a career-threatening eye surgery and played a crucial role in last season's title triumph.

However there is good news for Ferguson as the midfielder would be back in action when the Red Devils resume their Champions League quest at the knockout stage towards the end of February.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)