Mixed news for United defenders

Injured Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic will be out for longer than expected, but there was good news for Rio Ferdinand.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday the Serbian defender would miss up to five weeks with a calf injury.

But Ferdinand, who was expected to miss six weeks with a hamstring injury, is likely to return for the August 28 fixture against Arsenal.

“Last week, we thought Rio’s hamstring would have him out for six weeks and with Vidic, we thought it was just a nerve problem. That’s reversed itself,” Ferguson said.

“Vidic has got a calf muscle injury, which means he’ll be four to five weeks. It’s longer than we thought.”

“Meanwhile, Rio’s injury isn’t as bad as we thought and he could be ready for our game against Arsenal. I don’t think he’ll be ready for Monday (against Tottenham).”

“It’s amazing how circumstances can change in a few days.”

Both defenders were substituted in United’s 2-1 win against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

England manager Fabio Capello will be glad for the news of Ferdinand’s return, with England taking on Bulgaria (September 2) and Wales (September 6) in Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Ferguson will have left-back Patrice Evra back for Monday’s Premier League meeting at home to Tottenham, while forward Javier Hernandez is also closing in on a comeback from concussion.

“Patrice is back which gives us experience. Chicharito (Hernandez) is back training and doing very well, as is (Antonio) Valencia, who will play in the reserves next week,” Ferguson said.

“When will we bring Chicharito back? It depends. From a medical point of view, considering he had a concussion before, we have to decide when is the best time to bring him back.”

Midfielder Darren Fletcher is also likely to be fit after playing out another game with the reserves side.