Javier Hernández's former club claim he has a neurological condition

• Chivas de Guadalajara say Mexico striker has a problem
• Sir Alex Ferguson plays the condition down as concussion

Sir Alex Ferguson has said he has no lingering concerns about Javier Hernández's health despite claims from the Mexican's former club that the striker is suffering from a pre-existing condition that had never been revealed to his current employers.

Hernández was taken to hospital on Tuesday evening after complaining of dizziness and the concerns about the Manchester United striker were exacerbated when Rafael Ortega, the doctor at Chivas de Guadalajara, told reporters in Mexico that the player had suffered from neurological issues since he was a teenager.

Ortega said: "I remember in his time as a youth player at Chivas he suffered from acute migraines. Originally it manifested itself as a headache but afterwards the symptoms disappeared. We had some studies done on him but that was six years ago and he has done well since."

Hernández spent the night in hospital and was unable to fly with the rest of the squad when they made the journey from New York to Washington on Thursday. Ferguson, informed of Ortega's comments, said he was unaware of a pre-existing condition, describing it as a "straightforward concussion", but he has ruled out the 23-year-old for two weeks, meaning he will not be involved in the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday week.

"Concussion is something you don't want to happen but usually time heals that and we'll give Chicharito plenty of time," Ferguson said. "We won't be rushing him back. I'll bring him back only when the doctor tells me I can bring him back."

Ferguson said a ball had hit Hernández "on the top of the head" during a training session at the New Jersey Red Bull Arena. The striker lasted the full session, even staying behind for extra shooting practice, before falling ill at the team hotel.

"When he was taking his meal he felt sick and he was sick," Ferguson said. "He had headaches, so we removed him to the hospital where he stayed in overnight."

Hernández had an MRI scan that gave him the all-clear but United's medical staff may choose to request more information from Chivas about the player's medical past.

Ortega added: "I don't know if this will affect him in the future but I'm sure United will send him to a specialist and the situation will be resolved."

Hernández may not attend the FedEx Field in Washington on Saturday when United take on Barcelona in a rematch of last season's Champions League final, albeit one missing Lionel Messi, rested after playing for Argentina in the Copa América.

Ferguson has told his players they cannot allow themselves to "be alarmed or to worry about" the side that beat them so comprehensively at Wembley in May, but he acknowledged that Pep Guardiola's men had legitimate claims to be recognised as superior to any other team on the planet.

Javier Hernández has spent time in hospital in the United States but Sir Alex Ferguson claims the striker was merely concussed. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

"Their performances and feats over the last two or three years have elevated them to a position, in everyone's mind, where they're the best team currently in the world," Ferguson said.
"I'm quite happy to be in second place at this moment and our challenge is to get to that level. It's not just about the football team – it's the philosophy, what they believe in, how they coach, how they produce young players."

United have scored 18 times in their four games of this tour but Ferguson was not entirely satisfied. "We've been very good in front of goal, but we have been loose in midfield and at the back and teams have been creating chances against us."

The United manager reported that Antonio Valencia had returned to training in Manchester and should be fit for the start of the season despite damaging his ankle while on international duty with Ecuador.

Ferguson also noted Manchester City's £38m signing of Sergio Aguero as confirmation that Roberto Mancini's team would challenge for the Premier League. "Five teams will contest the league, and any one can win it. The best thing we can do is deal with ourselves. The challenge, the expectation and the pressure is on us – good."

Source

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/28/javier-hernandez-head-concussion