Ferguson rues Rio injury
22 Apr 2007 - 09:01:41
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects centre-half Rio Ferdinand to be out for around two weeks after he suffered renewed groin problems in the 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.
Ferdinand was forced off at half-time, as the Red Devils dropped two points at Old Trafford to leave the title door well and truly open for Chelsea, as well as giving Ferguson problems for the Champions League semi-final against AC Milan.
He said afterwards: "Rio's injury was the biggest blow, because I felt that if we could get into half-time 1-0 up we'd be okay.
"His injury isn't long-term, possibly two weeks. He should be back for the Chelsea game.
"It's an injury crisis of major proportions. We've got to patch up a team for this massive game on Tuesday now."
Of the disappointment of failing to take all three points against Boro, the Scot added: "It opens the door no question about that.
"We always knew if we made mistakes they have got the ability to come back. It's a big task now.
"The injuries killed us in the first half, but that was just the bad breaks you get in football, there is nothing you can do about it.
"We huffed and puffed a lot in the second, had some good opportunities in the last third of the field, but needed a bit more composure.
"We are still in pole position, still in the lead, but we'll have to do it the hard way."
