The Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher is taking an extended break from football because of a serious stomach illness.
A United statement says the 27-year-old is suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.
His last game was in 2-all Champions League home draw against Benfica 3 weeks ago, in which he scored.
The club said Fletcher had "accepted medical advice to take an extended break".
Fletcher signed a new four-year deal until 2015 with United in March.
