Coventry City were today waiting for news of Noel Whelan who was carried off during last night’s 2-1 home defeat against Manchester United.

The former Leeds striker fell awkwardly at the edge of the pitch during the first half and was in great pain.

He was taken straight to hospital for x-rays on his right leg. It was thought he may have broken a fibia but it now believed that he has strained ligaments.

There was no word from the City training camp today but Whelan could be out of action for up to a month.

That means that John Aloisi, who scored City’s goal against the treble winners, is set to start in the clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Strachan said:

"Hopefully it is Noel’s ligament at the top of his ankle but we shall have to wait until we get the results back from the tests."

The City boss was again happy with his side’s workrate and praised new boy Robbie Keane who was up against Japp Stam.

"He was up against top class defenders and he gave them a torrid time. His movement was excellent and he never allowed them a moment’s peace.

"I am disappointed for my players. In the first half the two wide players fell too deep and that meant we couldn’t support Robbie enough.

"Manchester United are probably the best side in the world at the moment. Someone tell me the last time they were out-played in a match – you have to compete to the full and we did that.

"Their first goal from Paul Scholes did take a bit of a deflection but it is amazing how the top teams get lucky!"