Veron to miss Man Utd clash

Veron is showing signs of settling in at Chelsea

Chelsea's Juan Sebastian Veron has been ruled out of Sunday's showdown with former club Manchester United.

The Argentine midfielder has a back injury and is likely to be missing until Christmas.

He picked up the injury after appearing as a substitute during Argentina's 1-1 draw with Colombia in a World Cup qualifier last week.

Sunday's Premiership clash would have been the first time he faced his old club since leaving last summer.

Veron has a back injury. It's hard to say how long he'll be out Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri

Veron was allegedly angry at the way he was sold, just days after United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said the 28-year-old had a future at the club.

He will now probably have to wait until Chelsea's trip to Old Trafford in May for another chance to prove himself against his former team.

The 28-year-old missed the Blues' 1-0 win over Southampton at the weekend and has since flown to Italy for specialist treatment.

The injury has come just as Veron has shown signs of settling at Stamford Bridge, playing a key role in the demolition of Lazio and Newcastle.

Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri said: "Veron has a back injury. It's hard to say how long he'll be out."