Arsenal v Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand set to start

Published: 04 May 2009 - 11:37:54

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Arsenal v Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand set to start

But French full-back Patrice Evra is now seemingly a doubt for the clash against Arsene Wenger's team after sitting out the session at United's Carrington training ground. England defender Ferdiannd had been rated as doubtful for Tuesday's encounter at the Emirates after suffering a rib injury during United's 1-0 first-leg victory last Wednesday. Related ArticlesGiggs: Sentiment and senseUnited close in on titlePremier League tablePremier League highlightsBoro 0 Manchester Utd 2Manchester Uniteds Rio Ferdinand may face Arsenal after rib injury all-clearInitial fears of a cracked rib proved groundless with scans highlighting nothing more serious than heavy bruising. However, the 30-year-old's return to training has handed manager Sir Alex Ferguson a major boost prior to the team's journey to London. Ferdinand took part in a ball work session with his United team-mates and looked unaffected by the rib problem that forced him to miss Saturday's Premier League victory at Middlesbrough. The former West Ham and Leeds defender's return will now enable Ferguson to select his first-choice central defensive pairing of Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Club captain Gary Neville also trained, with United's big guns Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov also involved. Evra's absence will leave last week's goalscorer John O'Shea on standby to fill in at left-back should the former Monaco defender, who suffered a knock at Middlesbrough, fail to prove his fitness in time for the semi-final. European champions United will book a place in their second successive Champions League Final if they avoid defeat at the Emirates.