United given Ferdinand boost
Rio Ferdinand to be fit to face Arsenal in Champions League semi
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Friday, 01, May 2009 10:32
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will be fit to face Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final after scans revealed no serious damage to his ribs.
Ferguson revealed the England centre-back had been coughing up blood after being forced off in the closing stages of the first leg at Old Trafford after a clash with his own goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and Gunners striker Eduardo.
However, there is no bone fracture and only minor internal bruising meaning Ferdinand could return to training over the weekend and be considered for first-team selection next Tuesday night.
"Rio's scan revealed no crack or break to his ribs," Ferguson said.
"There was some bruising to his lung, which is why he coughed up blood on the night.
"He's definitely out of Saturday's game against Boro, but we're hopeful for Tuesday against Arsenal. We should be able to get him training again on Sunday, but he didn't train today [Friday]."
Wes Brown may deputise for Ferdinand at the Riverside on his own comeback from injury.
Although Ferguson suggested he could start from the bench given his lack of recent first-team action, meaning Jonny Evans - who came on as a late substitute for Ferdinand against Arsenal - will partner Nemanja Vidic.