Jonny Evans ruled out for a fortnight due to a calf injury

The injury situation at Manchester United is dire and especially so in defense. The mood at the club is jovial at the moment due to the current good run of form but more injury news resulted from United's 5-0 vicotry over Wigan Athletic: defender Jonny Evans has been ruled out for a fortnight due to a calf injury sustained in today's match. Here is what manager Sir Alex Ferguson had to say after the match in regards to Evans' injury:

"Jonny came off injured. He has a calf injury and will be out for two weeks."

Source: BBC Radio Five Live

Because injuries and illness have depleted Fergie's choices in defense, in the match versus the Latics, midfielder Michael Carrick was forced to feature at center-back while winger Antonio Valencia started at right-back. After Evans was substituted off due to his injury, 19-year-old Zeki Fryers came on at left-back and first-choice left-back Patrice Evra moved into central-defense. Here is Fergie on United's injury situation in defense:

"We have had a nightmare the last few days. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have both been ill. Rio Ferdinand called off yesterday with a back injury and Jonny Evans has come off at half-time. It does put you under pressure."

United next face Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Eve and it is not certain at this moment as to who will be available to feature in defense. In addition to the mentioned players, captain Nemanja Vidic is out for the season while full-back Fabio is out due to injury as well. Fabio's twin brother -- Rafael -- has recently recovered from shoulder surgery and he played the full 90 minutes last week in a Reserves match. The Brazilian right-back has been on the bench in recent matches but perhaps Fergie is concerned with his fitness and form -- due to him not featuring in a first-team match yet this season due. He may be called upon versus Blackburn.