Alex Ferguson has revealed that both Anderson and Jonny Evans will be sidelined for three weeks with ankle injuries sustained against Derby in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

While Anderson’s prognosis will come as a relief to United, it’s the injury to Evans that will be of interest to fantasy managers. He has proved a popular budget defensive signing in the absence of Rio Ferdinand. Evans will now miss the FA Cup tie with Spurs, plus league games with West Brom and Everton. That effectively kills him off as a fantasy prospect, with the suggestion from United that Ferdinand will be in line for a return for the Everton game in just over a week’s time….

“Rio and Wes could be back for the Everton game, if the match is on Monday,” revealed Ferguson.

While Evans has impressed alongside Vidic, it’s difficult to imagine him offering any degree of security to fantasy managers on Ferdinand’s return. At best, he could be worth considering as a bench player should Rio break down again in the weeks to come.

United also revealed that both Rooney and Evra were now close to returns, although no return dates have been offered. Evra was thought to be out for 3-4 weeks after picking up a foot injury against Chelsea on January 11. It would appear that he will be struggling for the Everton date, so he and Rooney could be pencilled in for a return at West Ham a week later. O’Shea and Tevez seem almost certain to start the next two league games then.

Park and Nani will also be missing from United’s lineup tomorrow. Nani is out for a week with a groin injury picked up against Derby, so he’ll also miss the West Brom game. Park is apparently nursing a hamstring injury and he’ll be a doubt for the Hawthorns.

Ferguson is set call on youth for the FA Cup tie – Richard Eckersley and Fabio are set to be in the squad.