Ferdinand boost for United

Ferdinand: Fitness boost

Related links

Teams

• Manchester United

Players

• Rio Ferdinand

Also see

• Man Utd fixtures
• Man Utd stats
• United forum

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that 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.

The England international was immediately rushed off for scans with fears that he could be out for up to three weeks.

But 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.

The news is a massive boost for the Red Devils as they look to defend a slender 1-0 lead at Emirates Stadium next week.

"It's good news with Rio," the United boss said.

Bruising to the lung

"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."

Ferguson had initially voiced his concerns over Ferdinand after seeing the centre-half at the end of the game but now has his sights on getting his charge back into training as soon as possible.

"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.