Report: Michael Carrick out until Christmas

The Achilles problem that forced Michael Carrick to withdraw from the England squad may keep the Manchester United midfielder out until the New Year.

The 32-year-old pulled out of the Three Lions' friendlies against Germany and Chile this week, despite having completed 90 minutes in United's 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the weekend.

However, The Telegraph understands that the former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United star has been playing with the niggling injury for several weeks.

He received an injection on Tuesday that the Red Devils hoped would see Carrick recover in time for their return to Premier League action against Cardiff City, after the international break.

Senior figures inside Old Trafford have admitted to the same source, though, that a more realistic prediction for Carrick's layoff would be a month or perhaps even six weeks.