Ferdinand out for England match
The 23-year-old centre back will not be fit in time to face Premiership strugglers Leicester City at Filbert Street on Saturday and club coach David O'Leary admitted he would withdraw Ferdinand from the England squad for the fixture at Elland Road.
"Rio Ferinand is going for a test on his knee later today (Friday)," confirmed O'Leary.
"We will know over the weekend how he is, but he will not be playing at Leicester and we will be withdrawing him from the England squad for next Wednesday's game."
England chief Sven Goran Eriksson will be disappointed to lose one of his first-choice central defenders with replacements thin on the ground.
Martin Keown is still sidelined, John Terry is unavailable for selection meaning Sol Campbell and Gareth Southgate are the only two recognised centre backs.
Tottehham Hotspur's cultured defender Ledley King could come into contention along with Ugo Ehiogu of Middlesbrough, although the former has been criticised by his club manager Glenn Hoddle for a number of sub-standard performances in recent weeks.
