United full-back Gaetano Berardi faces a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury picked up in Saturday’s draw at Charlton, but captain Sol Bamba is set to return to the squad for Thursday’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Berardi, a substitute at the start of the second half at the Valley, was forced off on a stretcher in the closing stages of the goalless draw with the Addicks after coming off badly in a strong challenge.

The 27-year-old is now expected to be out of action for upto eight weeks after a scan on Monday revealed the extent of the damage.

Steve Evans said: “We’re told it could be around eight weeks, that was the prognosis of the consultant yesterday, but there is always a chance of him coming back sooner.

“He will be seeing a specialist over the coming weeks so we are able to monitor his progress and get a clear idea of when he will be available for selection again.

“It’s a shame for Gaetano as he is someone who has impressed me greatly since I first arrived at the club. He had just returned from suspension and was doing well after coming on at Charlton, so this is a disappointing setback for him.

“But he has our full support in his recovery and with our excellent medical team here at Thorp Arch, we know he is in safe hands and will soon return to his best.”

Bamba, meanwhile, has been out of action since the last international break with a fractured toe. The defender just missed out on a return for the trip to Charlton but has since resumed full training and goes into Evans’ plans for the televised clash at Molineux.

The head coach said: “The positive news is that Sol has come through a week of intensive training to link up with the rest of the squad this week.

“That’s a big plus point for us as it boosts the competition for places in central defence and you always want to have your captain fully involved.”