"Darren Fletcher was battling with his condition for 4 years"

Scotland manager Craig Levein revealed that his captain Darren Fletcher was struggling from the past four years with an illness that has led to the Manchester United midfielder take an indefinite break from football. Levein added that he expects Fletcher to be completely out of action for another four months.

In December, Manchester United announced that Fletcher will be taking an indefinite break from football in an attempt to overcome the effects of ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.

Fletcher: Currently on an indefinite break

Speaking to the BBC, Levein said:

“He [Fletcher] has had this for nearly four years now, he’s been pushing himself, and he’s really suffering it this time.

“It’s just quite remarkable how he’s managed. He desperately wants to play every single match – probably to the detriment of his health. He’s just a fantastic example of fortitude and desire to his team-mates.”

The manager hopes to have Fletcher back in action for the start of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign in September. Levein added:

“He’s out for four months complete rest, and then we can reassess things. I’d be desperately hoping [to have him for the qualifiers]. He becomes such an important player for us, not just on the field, but as an example by the way he behaves himself on and off the park and his attitude.

“So him being out is a huge loss in terms of both his performances and the influence he has on the rest of the group.”