Manchester United have received a boost with the news that defender Rio Ferdinand has not cracked a rib and could be available for the second leg of Manchester United’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
The 30-year-old was forced off against the Gunners in the closing stages after colliding with his own goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
X-rays have revealed that the defender has not suffered a broken rib and, although he will miss the trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday, he could return on Tuesday against the Gunners.
“It’s good news with Rio,” the United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said.
“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.
“Hopefully we can get him ready for Tuesday, he seems almost back to normal. But he won’t play tomorrow.
“Of course when you see it at the time you fear the worst but now it is just a case of getting him back training, hopefully on Sunday, and getting him ready for Tuesday,” he added.
