Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is facing a month out of action with ankle ligament damage suffered during Saturday's 1-0 win at Aston Villa.
Hernandez could miss six games before the new year after suffering the setback when his foot appeared to get caught in the Villa Park surface early in the first half.
A first United goal from Phil Jones after 20 minutes enabled the Red Devils to consolidate second place in the Barclays Premier League and manager Sir Alex Ferguson said of Hernandez's injury: "We think it's torn ankle ligaments unfortunately."
He added: We're having a torrid time with injuries at the moment. It could be three to four weeks."
United remain five points adrift of Manchester City but Ferguson was happy with his side's dominance, saying: "We missed some good chances and that can cost you. Villa don't give in and they kept pumping that ball in at the end of the game and anything can happen then.
"I thought we controlled the game and there were some good performances.
Villa manager Alex McLeish confirmed winger Charles N'Zogbia is to be fined after leaving him out of his matchday squad for a breach of club rules.
He said: "N'Zogbia broke a club rule. He never turned up for treatment when he was supposed to. He has to take it on the chin. When it comes to something like that, we have to respect the rules. He has been disciplined. There will be an internal fine."
In addition, Villa midfielder Jermaine Jenas and goalkeeper Shay Given face spells out of action after being stretchered off and McLeish said: "With Jenas, it is his Achilles. It is a 24-hour job, it might even be Monday before we are able to scan it.
"With Shay, we are hoping it is just cramp. It might be a grade one hamstring. If it is a hamstring it can be three to four weeks. Hamstrings are never a few days but hopefully it is not too serious."
Source: PA
