Manchester United [ Images ] midfielder Tom Cleverley is still several weeks away from a return after his ankle injury turned out to be worse than thought, manager Alex Ferguson [ Images ] said on Friday.

The 22-year-old player, whose energy and distribution skills allowed him to break into the first team this season, picked up the injury during last month's 1-0 win at Everton.

"It's more serious than we thought," Ferguson told a news conference, ruling out Cleverley until Christmas.

There was better news for winger Ashley Young [ Images ], who has recovered from a toe injury and will be fit for Saturday's trip to Swansea City.

Defender Chris Smalling will miss the game in Wales but may return for Tuesday's Champions League [ Images ] match at home to Benfica [ Images ], while striker Danny Welbeck is still recovering from a muscle strain sustained on international duty with England [ Images ].

Champions United are second in the table with 26 points from 11 games, trailing neighbours Manchester City [ Images ] by five points.