Rio worry for England

Ferdinand and Cole miss training

Last updated: 4th September 2008

Rio Ferdinand captain France v England

Ferdinand: Back injury

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Rio Ferdinand is a doubt for England's World Cup qualifier with Andorra.

Manchester United have confirmed Ferdinand missed training with his country on Wednesday and Thursday with a back problem which has been troubling him since pre-season.

England boss Fabio Capello will he hoping Ferdinand will recover in time to take his place in central defence alongside John Terry for Saturday's clash in Barcelona.

Better news on the injury front for Capello is that Ferdinand's United team-mate Wes Brown has returned to training after shaking off a knee problem.

Brown could now replace his club colleague at centre-back if the England vice-captain misses out.

Joe Cole has given Capello another worry after he missed training on Thursday with a calf problem.

Cole and Ferdinand are both expected to make the trip to Barcelona for the clash with Andorra so that Capello can assess their fitness.