Ferguson hopes Ferdinand emerges unscathed

16 February 2010 09:58

Sir Alex Ferguson is crossing his fingers Rio Ferdinand's second comeback from a long-term back injury goes without a hitch.

The new England captain is set to make his Manchester United reappearance in Tuesday night's Champions League clash with AC Milan at the San Siro, having served three games of a four-match domestic ban.

"I certainly hope he is all right until the end of the season," said Ferguson.

Fabio Capello is bound to be an interested observer given he has elevated Ferdinand to England skipper in the wake of John Terry's demise.

But United's need is more immediate, with Ferguson hopeful that the defender has made a complete recorvery.

"We have done a lot of work and he has too," he added.

"Even non-sportsmen know how difficult back injuries can be but he has had no problem since he started back 10 weeks ago.

"He has done his core work, which has helped him and he will probably start."

Source: PA