UPDATE – O’Shea and Evans are both in from the start for United.

With an abundance of injuries to Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad ahead of their Champions League clash with Jose Mourinho’s Inter at the San Siro and initial questions as to who would pair with Rio Ferdinand in the back, the Red Devils defensive troubles became worsened after confirmation that 18 year old Brazilian right back Rafael Da Silva did not board the flight to Milan.

Via Guardian

The teenager is believed to have injured himself during the 2–1 win against Blackburn at Old Trafford on Saturday, though the nature of the problem is not known. Two other injured defenders, John O’Shea and Jonny Evans, boarded the flight.

With Nemanja Vidic suspended and Gary Neville and Wes Brown injured, Sir Alex Ferguson faced a full-blown defensive crisis when Evans limped out of the win over Blackburn with an ankle injury, joining O’Shea, who has a sore heel, on the sidelines.

The six United defenders who have travelled to Milan are: Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, O’Shea, Evans, Fabio Da Silva (Rafael’s twin) and Richard Eckersley.

Image via Pictures