Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick will miss the start of the season after injuring his ankle in Wednesday's friendly win over an Airticity League XI at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road.
The England international limped out of the 7-1 victory after picking up the knock during the first half and Alex Ferguson has confirmed the 29-year-old will be out for a fortnight.
"Michael hurt his ankle on Wednesday," said Ferguson. "It is nothing serious but he will be out for a couple of weeks, so he will miss the start of the season."
It means Carrick will miss Sunday's Community Shield encounter with Chelsea, plus the opening Premier League game with Newcastle on August 16th.
In addition Carrick will not be available for England's midweek friendly against Hungary at Wembley.
Ferguson has confirmed Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney will both feature for 45 minutes at the weekend, although a number of senior players will not be involved.
"Gabriel Obertan still has the ankle injury he picked up in the United States," said Ferguson. "It will be a few weeks before Rio Ferdinand is back amongst us and Owen Hargreaves is still in the United States.
"Anderson is making good progress from his knee injury and he could be back training in two or three weeks."
Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio are doubtful after suffering food poisoning during the week.