Bayer Leverkusen vs Manchester preview - Vidic and Van Persie miss out

Posted Wednesday, November 27, 2013 by PA

David Moyes has confirmed Nemanja Vidic and Robin van Persie will miss Wednesday's Champions League encounter with Bayer Leverkusen.

Neither flew into Germany from Manchester with the rest of the United squad, even though Vidic did train ahead of departure.

"They are both injured," said Moyes.

"Nemanja Vidic had concussion and Robin has a problem with his groin.

"Neither of them are long-term but they are not quite ready yet."

Happily for Moyes, Phil Jones did travel after recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of Sunday's draw with Cardiff.

Nevertheless, with Michael Carrick ruled out by an Achilles injury and Marouane Fellaini suspended, Moyes does have a selection headache ahead of what he conceded is the toughest match of the group.

Bayer Leverkusen have only failed to win one match at the BayArena this season - when they drew with Bayern Munich - and much will depend on whether the United boss elects to use Jones in defence or in a midfield holding role.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling believes his side have done enough to convince themselves they can beat United.

The German outfit left Old Trafford with regrets in September, when they lost 4-2 to Moyes' men.

Coach Sami Hyypia felt Leverkusen were too tentative and nervous of their surroundings, and failed to reach the standard he knows they are capable of.

Leverkusen have gone on to prove the wisdom of Hyypia's words since.

They currently sit second in the Bundesliga table, are a point adrift of United in the Champions League, and know victory on Wednesday would take them into the last 16 with a game to spare.

On home soil they have been particularly impressive, failing to win only against Bayern Munich, who escaped with a draw.

So, with United's faltering start continuing at Cardiff on Sunday, Kiessling is looking ahead with optimism.

"The first time we played them, we showed Manchester United too much respect and were very anxious," said Kiessling, who has scored 12 goals in all competitions this term, but has already written off his chances of making Germany's World Cup squad next summer.

"Since then we have played a lot of good games and achieved some excellent results.

"At home we are a real force and, don't forget, this is not only an important game for us, it is for them as well."