Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Nani will miss Manchester United’s next three games.
Nani was substituted during the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday after he suffered a deep gash in a challenge from Jamie Carragher.
Ferguson confirmed that the Portuguese winger will be sidelined for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Arsenal, Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Marseille and the Premier League game against Bolton next weekend.
“We have managed to stitch the injury, which is good news,” Ferguson said. “We need to guard against infection and swelling.
“It is difficult to say exactly when he will be ready to return but we won’t get him back for the Bolton match next Saturday.
“We do have a two-week break after next Saturday. He will be ready for the return of that, that’s for sure.”
Reports had suggested Antonio Valencia could be back in the squad to face Arsenal after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but Ferguson said the player wasn’t ready to return.
“Antonio is difficult to assess because he has been out for such a long time,” Ferguson said. “He has been training very well and is taking part in a few practice matches between the players.
“It is deciding when we can put him into the cut and thrust of a game. There is a question mark over the timing but at some point, we are going to have to try it.
“It won’t be tomorrow. Hopefully it will be quite soon.”
