Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher ruled out for rest of the season

Darren Fletcher has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to his ongoing battle against a bowel condition.

Fletcher missed the majority of last season after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and there were fears that he would be unable to return to the highest level.

The 28-year-old made his first competitive appearance in ten months in the Champions League victory over Galatasaray at Old Trafford in September, but he has not started for Manchester United since the Premier League game against Reading at the start of December.

The club have confirmed that he has undergone surgery in a bid to resolve his condition and as a result he will miss the remainder of the season.

“Darren Fletcher will be unavailable for the remainder of this season having undergone surgery to resolve his ulcerative colitis condition,” a statement from United confirmed.

“We wish to stress this was a planned procedure undertaken at the optimal time having achieved a period of sustained good general health, as illustrated by the fact that Darren has trained with the team regularly this season and been available for selection right up to the operation.

“Whilst it is frustrating for both Darren and the club that he won’t be able to contribute further during this campaign, this decision has been taken with our full support in the best interests of his long term health and we look forward to him returning next season with this problem firmly behind him.

“We would be grateful if his privacy could be respected at this time and in the coming months in order to aid his recuperation.”