United have lost Patrice Evra for at least three weeks following the foot injury sustained against Chelsea. United did however, have better news on the status of Rio Ferdinand’s back…
Evra has damaged a ligament and will now sit out the next four games, including league games against Wigan and Bolton. Evra has just returned from suspension, during which time O’Shea replaced him in the United defence. He will now earn starts once again in Evra’s absence.
United also stated that scans on Rio Ferdinand’s back had indicated that he has suffered no serious injury. Ferdinand hasn’t appeared in the last three matches with spasms but they hope to have him back in their lineup for the FA Cup tie with Spurs.
“We think he’ll be back for the Spurs FA Cup game. He’ll have a series of exercises to do from now on and that will hopefully help things,” explained Ferguson today. Ferdinand has therefore been ruled out of the Wigan and Bolton league games, with Evans likely to keep his starting role.
O’Shea and Evans represent excellent value for those fantasy managers who have a spare United slot in their side. However, they remain very short-term options given that the Wigan game falls within the current gameweek. Therefore the signing of Evans and O’Shea may well only benefit fantasy managers for the trip to Bolton this weekend, before both Evra and Ferdinand could possibly make returns.
United also confirmed that Wes Brown is close to a return from an ankle injury. He is apparently two weeks away from being in contention – adding further competition for the right-back spot and another potential fantasy option within the United defence.