Rio Ferdinand out for six weeks

Rio Ferdinand will be out of action for six weeks after picking up a hamstring injury during Manchester United's 2-1 win away at West Brom.

Defensive colleague Nemanja Vidic was also withdrawn with a complaint, while right-back Rafael will miss 10 weeks after dislocating his shoulder in training on Friday.

"Rio will be six weeks," said manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "Vida, we don't know if it is a nerve or not and we will have that checked tomorrow (Monday). He could be out for a couple of weeks.

"But with having Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, it's a god send to be honest. Patrice Evra will be back next week, so we have got options."

The Red Devils next face Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Monday, August 22.