Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Owen Hargreaves Manchester United future is not something he is contemplating as he prepares for his side's Champions League match with Valencia on Tuesday.
Hargreaves has had a torrid time with injuries during his United career and incurred a hamstring problem on his return to the side against Wolves last month.
Ferguson admitted he was concerned for his midfielder’s well-being, but refused to be drawn on his future at the club amid rumours he will be allowed to leave at the end of the season.
"It's [Hargreaves’ contract] not something we're thinking about at this moment in time," Sir Alex told the club’s official website.
"We're all concerned, he hasn't played for over two years.
"Our biggest challenge is to get him back to a level where he can still play football. He trained so well up until the Wolves game, no qualms whatsoever, for nine or ten days.
"We were confident enough to play him, but unfortunately it's proved a disappointment."
Sir Alex confirmed Hargreaves was seeing a specialist in Munich to help with the tear in his hamstring.
Ahead of the Valencia tie, Ferguson is also without fellow injury struggler Michael Owen. He said: "Michael has no chance of being involved tomorrow.
"He returned to training in the middle of last week but we are going to make sure he gets two more weeks behind him.
"We don't want to take any risks because it was probably our fault he was injured last time."
Despite saying his side were keen to play against Blackpool at the weekend, the Scot believes the match’s postponement has helped the team stay fresh for the European match.
"You could look at it that we don't have any injuries because of it, but I think the players would rather have played," he said. "But we've trained well so I think we're ready."
If United overcome the Primera Division outfit, they will top their Champions League group and theoretically secure an easier tie in the knockout stages.
Hargreaves has had a torrid time with injuries during his United career and incurred a hamstring problem on his return to the side against Wolves last month.
Ferguson admitted he was concerned for his midfielder’s well-being, but refused to be drawn on his future at the club amid rumours he will be allowed to leave at the end of the season.
"It's [Hargreaves’ contract] not something we're thinking about at this moment in time," Sir Alex told the club’s official website.
"We're all concerned, he hasn't played for over two years.
"Our biggest challenge is to get him back to a level where he can still play football. He trained so well up until the Wolves game, no qualms whatsoever, for nine or ten days.
"We were confident enough to play him, but unfortunately it's proved a disappointment."
Sir Alex confirmed Hargreaves was seeing a specialist in Munich to help with the tear in his hamstring.
Ahead of the Valencia tie, Ferguson is also without fellow injury struggler Michael Owen. He said: "Michael has no chance of being involved tomorrow.
"He returned to training in the middle of last week but we are going to make sure he gets two more weeks behind him.
"We don't want to take any risks because it was probably our fault he was injured last time."
Despite saying his side were keen to play against Blackpool at the weekend, the Scot believes the match’s postponement has helped the team stay fresh for the European match.
"You could look at it that we don't have any injuries because of it, but I think the players would rather have played," he said. "But we've trained well so I think we're ready."
If United overcome the Primera Division outfit, they will top their Champions League group and theoretically secure an easier tie in the knockout stages.
