Rio Ferdinand has picked up a foot knock and will be out of the Boxing Day clash against Wigan, manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed.
The centre-half is due to return for the following clash over Blackburn, which means he could be back before New Year.
“Rio got a knock on the foot against QPR. I think he will be available for Blackburn, not Wigan,” Fergie said in the follow-up of United's 0-5 win at Craven Cottage.
It is yet another injury headache for the Scotsman, who also lost Phil Jones and Ashley Young against Fulham. The defender is still yet to learn the extension of the damage in his jaw, while the winger will be out for two or three weeks.