Rio Ferdinand Injury: Latest Updates on Manchester United Star's Groin Injury

Manchester United's defensive depth has taken a hit before the new Premier League season has even begun with the news that Rio Ferdinand has suffered an injury, according to Mike Whalley of ESPN's Soccernet:

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Rio Ferdinand has a groin injury and is set to miss Manchester United's Premier League opener at Everton on Monday night.

The injury could keep Ferdinand out for a month.

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Whalley also points out that United's depth on defense was weak prior to Ferdinand's injury problem:

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United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is already stretched in defense for the trip to Goodison Park. Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans will all miss the match.

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Ferguson will have to get creative when coming up with center-back partnerships throughout Ferdinand's absence.

It will be interesting to see if Ferguson looks in the transfer market for some more defensive depth if he doesn't like his options currently in the squad. He has a bit over a week remaining before the transfer window shuts until January.

With the strength of the Premier League increasing following the impressive additions top clubs such as Chelsea have made, United cannot afford to play guys out of position and risk dropping crucial points early in the title race.

Everton is a quality team that is capable of defeating United at Goodison Park if the Red Devils make foolish mistakes on defense.

United might have to score more goals than expected to offset any potential issues that Ferdinand's absence in the midfield could create.

With the top goal scorer Robin van Persie joining Wayne Rooney to form one of the most talented forward duos in Europe, United might be able to beat teams solely with their attacking talent for a few weeks.

Ferdinand's injury will have a large impact on United's early-season success, and replacing him will be one of the most difficult challenges Ferguson will face all year.

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Nicholas Goss is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.