Patrice Evra, the Manchester United left-back, has been ruled out for three weeks with a foot injury.

The France defender suffered the problem when he crossed for Wayne Rooney's goal in his side's 3–0 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

It was Evra's first game back after a four-match ban imposed by the Football Association for his involvement in a post-match fracas at Stamford Bridge last season.

Now Evra is facing another spell on the sidelines, and will miss tomorrow's Premier League match with Wigan plus four more games including the Carling Cup semi-final against Derby next Tuesday.

In addition United will still be without Rio Ferdinand against the Latics tomorrow. The central defender went for a scan on a back problem yesterday and although Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed there is no long-term damage, Ferdinand does need more rest and will not be considered for Saturday's trip to Bolton either.

In Ferdinand's absence, Jonny Evans will continue in central defence, although Wes Brown is only two weeks away from a comeback after ankle surgery.