Defending champions Manchester United have suffered an injury blow in their potential title-decider against Chelsea with centre-back Nemanja Vidic being forced off inside the first quarter at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Serbian international, who has been troubled by knee problem and then a stomach bug, had started the game for the Red Devils after having missed the last game in Barcelona. However, his afternoon came to an early end after a nasty knock to his face from Didier Drogba in an attempt to control the ball.

Vidic was left groggy after the Ivorian’s knee had a full impact on his jaw and his tooth went through his lip. He could not even walk towards the touch line and was carried away on a stretcher. Sir Alex Ferguson replaced Vidic by midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who slotted in at right-back with Wes Brown going in to partner central defender Rio Ferdinand.