London - Manchester United defender Patrice Evra will be out of action for three weeks because of a foot injury, the English Premier League champions announced on Tuesday.

Manchester said on its website that the Frenchman, who had only just returned from a suspension, suffered the injury in the 3-0 win over Chelsea last weekend.

The news is a blow to United, who cut the gap on leaders Liverpool to five points with two games in hand after Sunday's triumph.

United also said it they be without another defender, Rio Ferdinand, for another week. Ferdinand has a back injury. (dpa)