Ferguson: Rio will be ready for Barca

15 May 2009 10:16
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has played down concerns that Rio Ferdinand might be forced to miss the Champions League final. Ferdinand missed both the Manchester derby and Wednesday's win at Wigan after injuring a calf muscle in the semi-final triumph over Arsenal. The 30-year-old has now been ruled out of the Old Trafford Premier League clash with the Gunners, when United just require a point to be crowned champions for a record-equalling 18th time. With Ferguson confirming Ferdinand is doing no outdoor training at present due to the possibility of causing further damage, it is bound to raise fears the former West Ham skipper will miss the eagerly-anticipated showdown with Barcelona in Rome on May 27. However, the United boss is not too concerned and claimed Ferdinand could even figure in next weekend's trip to Hull. "We would like to have better news on Rio Ferdinand," admitted Ferguson. "It is one of those calf niggles that usually take 10 days to two weeks (to recover from). "Other than his work in the gymnasium he is not training at the moment. He won't play on Saturday but he should be fit for next Sunday's game at Hull and I am sure he will be available for the final."

Source: Eurosport