Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has revealed that he is unlikely to return to Sir Alex Ferguson's side this season.

The Scotland international has been out of action for the Red Devils since taking an extended break in December in order to overcome a chronic bowel problem.

"It's a week-by-week situation so I've not got any timescale on recovery, but the target for me is next season now," Fletcher told the Manchester Evening News.

"If I can come back then, that would be great for me. It's something that will never leave me but somehow you have to find a way to manage it so that I can still play my football."

Fletcher has made ten appearances for the Premier League champions this season.