Ferdinand ruled out of Chelsea clash
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand ruled out of Sunday's game
Also In The News
|
By James Christie
Andy Murray celebrated signing a lucrative clothing deal with German sports giants Adidas by beating Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Valencia Open. |  |
Friday, 06, Nov 2009 12:05
By Richard James.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of Sunday's top-of-the-table clash against Chelsea after failing to overcome his latest injury setback.
The England player has been hindered by a succession of calf, thigh and groin injuries over the past ten months.
His latest stint on the sidelines is the result of an injured calf and his manager has expressed concerns it may be linked to his long-standing back complaint.
Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed there had been no improvements in Ferdinand's condition in build-up to the game against Chelsea.
"We are having to look at something different because usually you are back from a calf injury within two or three weeks," the United boss said.
"But there is no sign of recovery from this injury so we are looking at whether it is to do with his lower back."
Ferdinand has suffered one of his worst starts to a season at Old Trafford, with a series of high-profile errors in games for United and England leading to continuing criticism.
Former England manager Graham Taylor claimed earlier this month the defender had "lost his legs" and suggested that at almost 31 his best days were now behind him.
Ferguson, however, has defended his star centre back stating all the major players during his time at Old Trafford have suffered from temporary drops in form.