Skipper Ryan Shawcross has been ruled out of the game after pulling up in training with a back injury.
The big defender, who started his career at Old Trafford, will miss the visit of Jose Mourinho’s league leaders.
The 29-year-old has a history of back problems but boss Mark Hughes was eager to point out that this latest setback is not connected to previous issues.
Hughes said: “It’s not disc-related, it’s more a problem with a ligament in his lower back.
“We have to wait for it to settle. He’s a bit stiff, but it’s not what he had before and hopefully he won’t be out long.”
