Sicknotes for the stars

Several Manchester United and Arsenal players have withdrawn from this week's international friendlies ahead of the weekend's FA Cup quarter-final.

Serial sicknote-victim Ryan Giggs has been pulled from the Welsh squad - despite playing 90 minutes without any apparent problem yesterday. Confusion reigns over the exact nature of his injury: PA is reporting a hamstring injury, while Manchester United's official site claims it is a groin strain.

Goalkeeper Roy Carroll (Northern Ireland) and midfielder Darren Fletcher (Scotland) are claiming injuries too, after playing yesterday at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, John O'Shea, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are all 'rested' from international duty. The only fly in Fergie's ointment is Diego Forlan, the less than prolific striker, who is away with Uruguay until late on Friday and is thus unlikely to be ready for Saturday's game.

Arsenal have their fair share of 'injuries' too. Patrick Vieira has a 'sore knee' and Robert Pires has an Achilles problem, ruling them out of France's friendly in Holland. They played the full game and 85 minutes respectively yesterday, and both expect to be make a sudden return to fitness for the weekend.

Sol Campbell is rested to alleviate a long-term groin problem, while Ashley Cole - who at least had the good grace to miss yesterday's game - is out with a knee injury.

What odds on all of the above playing some part at Villa Park on Saturday?