Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard could miss the next four to six weeks after picking up an ankle ligament injury.
The Danish keeper was signed as back-up for summer signing David de Gea, but in recent weeks Lindegaard has forced his way into the first team and had been in impressive form.
De Gea could be back in action for the crunch match against Chelsea after recovering from an injury that ruled him out of last Tuesday's victory over Stoke.
However, the Spanish keeper has often struggled in recent weeks, while young stopper Ben Amos impressed against Stoke and could also be an option for Ferguson.
"De Gea should be fit. It looks like Lindegaard will be out for at least four weeks, maybe even five or six. It's ankle ligaments," Ferguson is quoted as telling reporters on goal.com.
"Ben Amos has been looking for his opportunity for quite a while and we wondered about sending him out of loan, it's not easy when you're in Europe as you need three keepers and he did very well the other night.
"We have Tomasz Kuszczak as well but his contract is up in the summer and he doesn't want to sign another."
Lindegaard has been Ferguson's most consistent performer in recent weeks and has only conceded four goals in his 11 appearances, while De Gea has let in 28 goals in his 20 appearances this season.
United will be hoping for another victory at the weekend as they look to keep the pressure on near neighbours Manchester City who are only top of the Premier League on goal difference.
