Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United's Rafael the only injury doubt ahead of Champions League clash with Chelsea
Brazilian full-back Rafael looks like being Manchester United's only serious doubt ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford.[LNB]The 20-year-old was forced off with a knee injury during last week's first leg, which ruled him out of Saturday's Premier League win over Fulham.[LNB] Concern: Rafael was taken off on a stretcher during the first leg clash with Chelsea[LNB]Manager Sir Alex Ferguson had stated the problem was merely bruisingrather than ligament damage, a fact confirmed by his presence on a sidepitch at United's Carrington training complex this morning (Monday) .[LNB] Ready for action: United are bidding to repeat their Treble success of 1999[LNB] [LNB] However, as the defender was restricted to running rather than ball work with the rest of the group, whether he will be included in Ferguson's side remains open to question, especially as both John O'Shea and Wes Brown are available to play at right-back.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'Rafael did a bit of jogging this morning. Hopefully he will be able to be ready for tomorrow but I am not sure about it.[LNB]'There is a little doubt and it is not something I want to be risking in a major game.[LNB]'He really has to do something special tomorrow morning to change my mind about it.'[LNB]Brotherly bother: Fabio, unlike his twin, is available to play against Chelsea[LNB]With the exception of Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher, who has been laid low by a virus, the remainder of Ferguson's first-team squad were training.[LNB]That included Rio Ferdinand, who also missed Saturday's game afterreturning from a calf injury at Stamford Bridge, and Wayne Rooney whowas suspended.[LNB] Advantage: United are favourites to progress thanks to Wayne Rooney's goal at Stamford Bridge[LNB]However, Rooney is available as United look to protect the one goal lead given to them by the England international last week and book a semi-final place almost certainly against German challengers Schalke.[LNB] Martin Samuel: Shock, horror: we all survived Rooneygate and the Premier League carried on Berbatov and Nani proving a fine reserve act for United in treble questThe kids are alright, Roman: Owner Abramovich sees youths beat UnitedAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Wayne Rooney, Alex Ferguson, Darren Fletcher, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, John O'Shea Places: Scotland, United Kingdom
