MANCHESTER United and Arsenal will both be without their combative captains when they face Wanderers in crucial Premiership games over the next fortnight.

United must go into next Wednesday's Old Trafford derby without their under-fire skipper Roy Keane. The Irishman, dogged by controversy for his behaviour on and off the pitch, has checked check into hospital today for an operation on his hip and will be sidelined until December.

Meanwhile Arsenal's Patrick Vieira will miss the Premiership game against Wanderers at Highbury on September 21 after referee Andy D'Urso refused to reconsider his decision to send him off for the two yellow cards he received in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Arsenal say they are "disappointed" with D'Urso and have described the dismissal as "harsh".