Source: Telegraph
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand may face Arsenal after rib injury allclear
Ferdinand, 30, was taken to hospital following United's first-leg victory on Wednesday after being injured in a collision with goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.[LNB]With the centre-half in severe pain and coughing blood, there were initial fears that he had suffered a broken rib injury that could keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.[LNB] Related ArticlesShould United sign Tevez?Ferguson shoots from the hipDelicious uncertainty of Champions League semi-finalsHands up if you have O'Shea on your shirtWhat's in store at Emirates...Paper View: 'Arsenal in Cruz control'But while Ferdinand will miss Saturday's Premier League trip to Middlesbrough, where Jonny Evans will deputise, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits that the £30m defender could return in time to face Arsenal at the Emirates in four days' time.[LNB]Ferguson said: 'It's good news with Rio. It is not a cracked bone, he had a bit of bruising on the lung which was why he was coughing up blood but there has been nothing since then.[LNB]"Hopefully we can get him ready for Tuesday, he seems almost back to normal. But he won't play tomorrow. '[LNB]Ferguson admitted that he feared that Ferdinand could be facing a lengthy lay-off immediately after he had sustained the injury in the closing stages on Wednesday.[LNB]But he is backing Ferdinand to challenge for a starting spot at Arsenal if he returns to training over the weekend.[LNB]Ferguson said: "Of course, when you see it at the time you fear the worst.[LNB]'But now it is just a case of getting him back training, hopefully on Sunday, and getting him ready for Tuesday."[LNB]
