By Chris O'Brien
July 22 2004

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs looks set to be out of the opening America tour match against Bayern Munich in Chicago. The Welshman missed a recent training session with a thigh injury and is unlikely to be risked for the game against the German outfit on July 25th.

Ryan Giggs looks set to miss United's opening game of the pre-season tour of the United States of America. The Red Devils take on Bayern Munich in Chicago on July 25th, and are likely to be without the Welsh international who can play as a forward or in his preferred position on the left wing.

Giggs joins a long list of absentees for the opening game, with several big-name players being left out of the squad travelling due to America for various reasons. Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Louis Saha and Mikael Silvestre are all unavailable for the Munich game after participating in the European Championships, with a number of other house hold names not making the trip.

Giggs missed a training session in Philadelphia on Wednesday with a thigh problem and is a major doubt for the game against the German outfit. Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to risk the winger as this could make a thigh injury potentially worse and mean Giggs could face a long spell on the sidelines.

The absence of the 30-year-old will open the door to several youngsters eager to impress. Youngster Kieran Richardson, desperate to make a mark on the first-team, could be called in to replace Giggs whilst Luke Chadwick will also be looking to make an appearance against the Bundesliga giants.