Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been ruled out until February with a knee injury.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed this morning that the Brazilian will miss the next three months, which includes a crucial Champions League group clash against Basel along with a visit to the Emirates to face Arsenal in the Premier League.

"We sent him back to Portugal to see the specialist who operated on his knee last time," said Ferguson. "That's a bit of a blow, we didn't expect that one."

The league champions have been forced to endure a number of injury woes throughout the team, with Danny Welbeck a doubt for this weekend's match against Newcastle United.

Despite worries over Wayne Rooney's fitness, which resulted in the England striker being omitted from the team that drew 2-2 with Benfica this week, Ferguson confirmed that the frontman is fit to play on Saturday.

United will host Newcastle at Old Trafford this weekend.