United midfielder Carrick sidelined for three weeks

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will be out of action for three weeks due to an Achilles injury.

Carrick needed an injection to ease the long-standing problem on Thursday and United boss Alex Ferguson admitted Friday the England international needs several weeks’ rest before he will be fit for selection.

The former Tottenham star was an unused substitute during England’s recent Euro 2012 matches, but has not started a game for United since the Community Shield win against Chelsea last month.

“He has had a problem with his Achilles. It has been bothering him for a few weeks now, so we sent him to a specialist in London and he had an injection,” Ferguson said.

“We are hoping that settles it down. He should be out for three weeks, maybe a month at most.

“We have been considering what we should do about it. The best thing is to get it treated and out of the road now because everyone in the squad is fit.”

Carrick will miss Saturday’s visit to Everton, plus the home matches with Rangers and Liverpool.

Ferguson will have Rio Ferdinand available for the first time this season against Everton after the England defender returned ahead of schedule from the knee injury he suffered at the World Cup.

“Rio Ferdinand could have played for the reserves against Stockport last night,” Ferguson said. “He wanted to play but his training performances are so good I didn’t see any point.

“He is in the squad. With three games this week, it is good that he is back in the fold.”