The Manchester United forward is understood to have suffered a bruised shin, rather than ligament damage, during Sunday’s victory against Chelsea.
Hernández, who was able to walk off the pitch following the 77th-minute incident in United’s 3-1 win, is expected to be out for two weeks and will miss Tuesday night’s Carling Cup tie at Leeds, as well as the forthcoming fixtures against Stoke City, Basle and Norwich City.
With the Mexican already discounted from Ferguson’s plans for the trip to Elland Road because of the United manager’s determination to rotate his squad, Dimitar Berbatov is set to be handed his first start of the season against Simon Grayson’s Championship outfit.
The Bulgarian, United’s £30.75 million record signing, has managed just 36 minutes of first-team action this season after being overlooked in favour of Hernández and 20-year-old Danny Welbeck as Wayne Rooney’s strike partner so far this campaign.
Having been left out of United’s squad for the Champions League final defeat against Barcelona at Wembley in May, Berbatov’s Old Trafford future had been a subject of doubt during the summer and the club have yet to decide whether to extend the 30 year-old’s contract beyond its expiry date next June.
Ferguson has insisted that the former Tottenham striker will be given an opportunity to contribute this season, yet it appears as though the Carling Cup currently offers Berbatov his only likely route into the team. Berbatov’s languid and unhurried style of play jars with the free-flowing football being played by United this season, but Ferguson is expected to pair the striker with Federico Macheda and Michael Owen at Leeds.
With Chris Smalling ruled out for two weeks with a groin injury, Antonio Valencia is set to play at right-back, with Anders Lindegaard replacing the rested David de Gea in goal.
Manchester United striker Javier Hernández escapes with bruised shin after 'shocking' challenge from Ashley Cole - Telegraph