Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is expected to be out of action for up to four weeks after tearing ankle ligaments during his side's 1-0 win at Aston Villatoday.

Hernandez was stretchered off in the 12th minute at Villa Park after twisting awkwardly while running off the ball and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't expect his forward back before the new year.

"It's torn ligaments in the ankle, he could be out for about four weeks," Ferguson told ESPN.

"We are having a bad time with injuries at the moment but it's just as well we have a strong squad."

With Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov injured in the midweek loss against Crystal Palace, Hernandez's absence means Danny Welbeck is likely to have a more regular role in the team alongside England team-mate Wayne Rooney.

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