Rio unavailable again for United
Manchester United have looked shaky at the back in their skipper's absence
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Friday, 10, Apr 2009 10:02
Rio Ferdinand will again miss out for Manchester United against Sunderland on Saturday.
The defender has missed the Red Devils' last two games with a back injury which he picked up while on England duty.
United have conceded four goals in Ferdinand's absence and have a host of defensive problems ahead of the trip to the Stadium of Light.
Jonny Evans has been ruled out with an ankle injury suffered in the 2-2 draw with FC Porto on Tuesday, while Wes Brown and Rafael Da Silva are still on the sidelines.
John O'Shea is expected to partner Nemanja Vidic in central defence despite the Irishman's shaky display against FC Porto at Old Trafford, with Gary Neville set to slot in at right-back.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he will not risk Ferdinand, 30, ahead of the second leg against FC Porto on Wednesday.
"Rio's started to run today and hopefully we'll get him ready for Wednesday's game," the Scot said.
"Rafael has started training this week, on Tuesday, and he needs a few days' training but he will be available for next Saturday.
"Wes Brown is not far away. He'll start football training next week. We need these defenders back as they'll make a hell of a difference to us, no question.
"In these situations, we want our experienced players playing all the time. Unfortunately, we didn't have that with Vidic's suspension and Rio and Gary have been injured."