Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson rules Rio Ferdinand out for the season
Injury-hit Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to play again this season, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Thursday. [LNB]The 32-year-old central defender has already been missing for six weeks since suffering a calf strain in the warm-up at Wolves on February 5.[LNB] Tough times: Rio Ferdinand (right) has been riddled with injuries this season[LNB]Ferguson, who has decided not to appeal against his five-game touchline ban, said: 'Rio's hardly trainingyet and we'll be lucky to get him back fit for some part of the season.It's just not responding. Sometimes calf injuries can be troublesome.'[LNB] Crocked: John O'Shea[LNB]It caps a miserable week for Ferdinand, in which Sportsmail revealed that Fabio Capello is planning to take the England captaincy from him and give it back to John Terry ona permanent basis.[LNB]Thursday's news only underlined Capello's concerns over Ferdinand's injury problems and availability. [LNB]The centre half has played in less than half of United's Barclays Premier League games since the start of the 2008-09 season. But Ferguson is confident Ferdinand will be able toshrug off his injury problems eventually.[LNB]The United manager said: 'Rio's 32 and has plenty of years ahead. He's had a few injuries over the last few years, which I'm sure is a concern for him, but he's still capable of getting back and playing at the top level.'[LNB]Ferguson hit back at the FA yesterdayover his touchline ban and ?30,000 fine and accused them of punishing him for telling the truth.[LNB]'It was disappointing,' he said. 'It's the only industry you can't tell the truth in, you know. So anyway, it's in the past they're not worth it.' [LNB]Ferguson was punished after claiming United did not have a 'fair' referee in Martin Atkinson for the defeat at Chelsea earlier this month. [LNB]But now he has decided not to appeal against it, his ban will begin with the game against Bolton on Saturday and will have been served by the time United face title rivals Arsenal on May 1.[LNB] Another blow for Fergie as Ferdinand is set to miss rest of the seasonSlapped down: Fuming Sir Alex Ferguson eyes appeal over five-match ban As the original Captain Marvel is treated for cancer, the football family comes together to say... get well, RobboAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Fabio Capello Places: United Kingdom
