United manager Simon Grayson has re-iterated his stance that striker Luciano Becchio won't be rushed back into action too early.

The South American was carried from the field against Charlton at the start of the month after suffering an ankle injury, and he has missed United's last three league games.

"Luciano won't be fit for Saturday," confirmed the boss.

"We thought it could be this sort of timescale, but we don't really want to put a firm timescale on it.

"We want it sorting and don't want to rush him back. He is in the best possible hands and when he starts training again we want him to be fit and right."

Central defender Rui Marques has also been sidelined with injury in recent weeks, but the Angolan international is making good progress.

"Rui has done some training," confirmed the boss. "He is still a little way off and won't be considered for Saturday."