Defensive Duo Ruled Out

13 January 09 by Bill

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in defence with both Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra being ruled out of action.

Rio Ferdinand was expected to play in Sundays three nil victory over Chelsea but the defender suffered a recurrence of a back problem and was swiftly sent for a scan. “Rio has been to a specialist and there are no major problems with his back, but he won’t be involved against Wigan” Ferguson said. “We think he should be back for the Tottenham cup tie (24/1), it’s just a matter of having a series of exercises to do regularly and that will hopefully help it.”

Patrice Evra will definitely miss the Tottenham game after Fergie ruled the left back out for three weeks minimum. Evra had only just returned to the United team after serving a four match ban for the incident which occurred after the match at Stamford Bridge when the clubs met last year.

Evra suffered ligament damage whilst crossing for United’s second and will miss United’s next 5 fixtures. “Evra will be out for three weeks minimum and maybe four. It shouldn’t be any more than that” said Ferguson which means if all goes well, Evra will be back in time to face Everton on 2nd February. “He just went over on his foot and has done the little ligament in his foot, so we need to get the swelling down and that will take about 7-10 days.”

Manchester United’s next five fixtures are Wigan (h), Bolton (a), Derby (h), Tottenham (h) and West Brom (a). Jonny Evans has been fantastic this season when called upon and John O’Shea is a more than capable replacement for Evra, albeit without the attacking flair. Thankfully, United should be able to cope quite comfortably and must be thinking they can win all of those matches.

Evra’s injury may also open the door for Fabio, Rafael’s twin brother, and if he’s anything like his brother, what a treat we could be in for!