Man United's Fletcher out for rest of season

Published Jan. 17, 2013 7:25 p.m. ET

foxsports

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing fresh surgery to resolve his bowel condition.

The Scotland international returned to action in September after 10 months out recovering from ulcerative colitis - a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

United said Thursday that the 28-year-old Fletcher had enjoyed a ''period of sustained good general health,'' but still required this latest procedure.

''Whilst it is frustrating for both Darren and the club that he won't be able to contribute further during this campaign, this decision has been taken with our full support in the best interests of his long-term health,'' United said in a statement. ''We look forward to him returning next season with this problem firmly behind him.''

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood loss, weight loss and fatigue.

Fletcher has won four league titles, the Champions League, an FA Cup and two League Cups since making his debut for United in 2003. His latest contract runs through 2015.