The Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes will miss the Premier League leaders' trip to champions Chelsea on Monday with a groin injury that will keep him out of football until the New Year.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson also looks likely to be without defender John O'Shea who has a calf strain.
United have not won in the league at Stamford Bridge since 2002 but are full of confidence after knocking Arsenal off the top of the table by beating the Londoners 1-0 this week.
