Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of an eye condition.
Alex Ferguson confirmed last week Scholes was being sent for a second opinion on an injury originally picked up during the Premiership draw with Birmingham on December 28.
The former England star left St Andrews suffering from blurred vision and although it was initially suggested the problem would clear up inside a couple of weeks, the 30-year-old has yet to recover.
"Paul Scholes has a medical condition affecting the vision in his right eye. It is not a football-related injury." said a United statement.
"This has been confirmed by a number of specialists who have all agreed that he needs to rest for a period of three months.
"Obviously, it is a disappointment for Paul and Manchester United that he will miss the rest of the season. We look forward to having him back for pre-season training."
The news is a blow to Ferguson, who a fortnight ago strenuously denied Scholes was suffering from partial blindness and a cyst.
United chief executive David Gill confirmed this weekend United were on the look-out for midfield recruits but any transfer move would wait until the summer.
However, the loss of their most senior midfield man may prompt Ferguson into a rethink.
