Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan admits they are stretched by injuries as they bid to overhaul Manchester City in the title race.

But Phelan remains defiant despite the string of knocks suffered by key players in Sunday's 2-1 win at Arsenal.

Phil Jones tore ankle ligaments, Nani left the stadium wearing a protective boot, and Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra also suffered knocks.

"We're not in the greatest state that we could possibly be in," said Phelan.

"However, we can call on all our experiences and resources we have at this football club and we'll have to do that in the coming weeks."

Nani reportedly spent the train journey back to Salford with his injured limb raised and with his foot still protected, but United are unable to assess the damage until swelling has cleared up over the next couple of days.

Rooney limped out of the stadium, Carrick tweaked a hamstring and Evra suffered a head knock.

United were already without Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Michael Owen and long-term absentees Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic going into Sunday's match.

But, despite now facing a fixture list swelled by FA Cup and Europa League matches, the United assistant manager is optimistic that the versatile Jones can return to the side sooner rather than later, because of his sheer determination.

"He's that type of lad," Phelan told BBC Radio Manchester. "His character's very good in and around the place.

"He's disappointed that, over the last few weeks, he seems to have limped around the football field quite a bit but he manages to recover, so we're optimistic he can do the same again."

United's win at the Emirates kept them within three points of league leaders City.

But their next date is with Liverpool this Saturday for their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Anfield, where United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has asked for "positive, witty and loud" support from the travelling fans.