French striker Louis Saha has been ruled out of Manchester United’s home clash against AS Roma in the Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The home side are already without Paul Scholes for this match due to suspension.

The Italians lead 2-1 coming into the crucial return-leg.

Saha, who has missed the last seven matches with a hamstring problem compounding his problems in an injury-ravaged season where he has made just three starts since the turn of the year, was earlier expected to be on the bench for this match.

But the Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen not to risk Saha against Roma.

“He’s not fit,” said Ferguson. “He felt his hamstring was a bit tight in training on Friday in Rome. Therefore, we have to be on the cautious side.

“There’s no point in bringing somebody back who is not 100% fit and then them suffering further injury. Maybe he will be fit for Saturday’s cup tie against Watford, but not for the Roma game.”