Manchester United's title charge rocked as Micahel Carrick sidelined for 6 weeks

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has been forced to withdraw from the England squad after an Achilles injury worsened in Sunday’s victory over Arsenal.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes against the Gunners, but has said that he began to feel the effects after the game and is disappointed to be missing out on the international fixtures.

“I have been carrying the injury for a few weeks now. I was a bit patched up to play today.

“I got through it but it doesn’t look too good.” said the midfield maestro.

The midfielder, who has played in all but one of United’s Premier League games this season, has been in great form and he will be sorely missed my David Moyes as the reigning champions look to get themselves back into the title race.

On top of England’s matches against Chile and Germany, the former Tottenham midfielder is likely to be out until Christmas, meaning he will miss several key fixtures in the Red Devils schedule. Expected to be back for the Boxing Day trip to Hull, Carrick is set to miss both of the Champions League encounters against Bayer Leverkusen and Shakhtar Donetsk as well as key Premier League fixtures versus Spurs and Everton.

Although Moyes has plenty of names to pick from as Carrick’s replacement, not many can dictate the tempo of a game quite like the England international and the midfielder will be welcomed back with arms open arms upon his return.

This injury is just another test of Moyes’ ability and will question how he can adapt when a key player is on the sidelines.

Michael Carrick has made the most interceptions for Man United this season (40).

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