An injury to John O’Shea is giving Alex Ferguson and thousands of fantasy managers palpitations, after the defender was sent back to Old Trafford by the Republic of Ireland.

O’Shea has picked up a calf injury in training and according to Republic boss, Giovanni Trapattoni, he could be risking a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“He has gone back because of his leg. It’s very dangerous because he could have torn something. He can’t run so he can’t play against South Africa. I told John to be careful because when you pull that muscle, you can be out for two months.”

Reports today indicate that O’Shea is due to have scans on the problem. Regardless, he is almost certain to be out of the weekend visit to White Hart Lane which is likely to mean a recall for Gary Neville at right-back.

O’Shea has proved a massively popular fantasy signing this season having pinned down a semi-regular role in Ferguson’s lineup. Over 200,000 Fantasy Premier League managers have him in their squad. Given United’s next three fixtures (tot MCY stk), it seems wise to look elsewhere for defensive recruits in the short-term, with Distin, Song and perhaps Michael Turner springing to mind as worthy replacements in the same price bracket.