By Chris O'Brien
March 11 2006

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to miss the rest of the season with a broken cheekbone, throwing the very future of his footballing career into doubt. The Norwegian international, who sustained the injury during a reserve-team game, sees his Old Trafford contract expire at the end of the season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suffered yet more injury woe, once again throwing the very future of his footballing career into doubt. The Norwegian international, a legend amongst United supporters, suffered a broken cheekbone whilst in reserve team action and now looks set to miss the rest of the season.

A clash with Middlesbrough defender Ugo Ehiogu saw Solskjaer taken off after only seven minutes and the versatile forward now looks like spending another frustrating couple of months in the treatment room.

The 33-year-old was seemingly on the verge of a return to regular first-team football after almost two years on the sidelined with a leg injury. Solskjaer bravely battled through the problems and made a brief cameo appearance at Birmingham in December, whilst also starting both F.A Cup ties against Burton Albion. His determination and courage has intensified his fantastic reputation amongst the Old Trafford faithful, but this latest setback could have ended the player's comeback chances.

Solskjaer's contract is up at the end of the season, and speculation had suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson was to offer the attacker a 'pay-as-you-play' contract. However, after picking up yet another long-term injury this is now in doubt and the hard-working veteran will be spending more trying time with the physiotherapist.

A player displaying such loyalty and grit is something of a rarity these days. ManUtdWeb would like to wish Solskjaer all the best with his recovery, and here's hoping the Scandinavian will be back in United colours next term.
"You are my Solskjaer..."

Meanwhile, Quinton Fortune also picked up an injury during Tuesday night's reserve game. The South African twisted his knee as he continues to struggle in his own comeback from leg problems. Initial reports suggest the problem is not serious, but will not help the midfielder's return to full fitness.

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Middlesbrough Reserves 1-1 Manchester United Reserves
(at Billingham Synthonia FC)

It was injuries that took the headlines, but the United reserves remained five points clear at the top of the Northern Premier League table on Tuesday evening with a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough. Substitute Frazier Campbell cancelled out Daniel Graham's opener to secure that a strong United side earned a share of the spoils.

Manchester United 'XI': T Howard, Marsh, Evra, M Howard, Piqué (Gray, 11), Richardson, R Jones, Fletcher, Solskjaer (Campbell, 7), Rossi, Fortune (Gibson, 36).