Manchester United's injured XI – in pictures

Goalkeeper: Rio Ferdinand, who missed the Boxing Day thrashing of Wigan with a back injury, went in goal for United when Tomasz Kuszczak was sent off during the FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Portsmouth in 2007-08 Photograph: Peter Klaunzer/AP

Right-back: Chris Smalling was taken ill before the match against Wigan on Boxing Day, although he may be fit to face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday Photograph: Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

Centre-back: The United captain Nemanja Vidic ruptured his cruciate ligament against Basel and will miss the rest of the season Photograph: Peter Klaunzer/AP

Centre-back: Jonny Evans has become an important player in Vidic's absence, but he injured his calf against Wigan on Boxing Day and is expected to be out for a fortnight Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Full-back: At least one of the Da Silva twins is usually injured; at the moment it's Fabio, who has a hamstring problem. No date has been set for his return Photograph: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images

Right midfield: Darren Fletcher is taking an extended break from football due to ulcerative colitis. He is not expected to return before next season Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Centre midfield: After an outstanding start to the season, Tom Cleverley suffered an ankle injury at Bolton, which then recurred during the win at Everton in October. Ferguson said he would be out until Christmas time, although he has yet to make a comeback for the reserve side Photograph: Jed Leicester/Action Images

Centre midfield: Phil Jones suffered a facial injury in last week's win at Fulham. He may return to the side against Blackburn on New Year's Eve Photograph: Jed Leicester/Action Images

Left midfield: The erratic Brazilian Anderson suffered a knee injury in November and will be out of action until the end of February Photograph: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

In the hole: Ashley Young injured his knee at Fulham last week and is expected to be out for around a fortnight Photograph: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

Centre forward: Michael Owen's stop-stop United career continued when he injured a thigh against Otelui Galati at the start of November. No date has been set for his return Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA