United's Nani sidelined for three weeks

Manchester United FC will be without Nani for three weeks as a result of the leg injury the winger sustained against Liverpool FC last weekend.

The Portuguese international, 24, was carried from the Anfield pitch with a gash to his left leg following a tackle by Jamie Carragher during the first half of the Red Devils' 3-1 defeat. "The swelling has gone down a great deal, which is good news, but to give you a date for when he is coming back is very difficult to say," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"On the plus side, we've got a two-week international break from next Saturday, so he'll be ready for the return after that obviously, that's for sure."

Sir Alex also confirmed that Rio Ferdinand (calf) and Park Ji-Sung (hamstring) are still some way off a return, although winger Antonio Valencia is nearing a comeback having been sidelined since mid-September with a dislocated and fractured left ankle. "It is deciding when we can put him into the cut and thrust of a game," added Sir Alex.

United and Olympique de Marseille are level at 0-0 going into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie at Old Trafford on Tuesday.