Eurosport - Wed, 20 May 14:30:00 2009
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has played down concerns that Rio Ferdinand might be forced out of the Champions League final against Barcelona.
Ferdinand missed both the Manchester derby and Wednesday's win at Wigan after injuring a calf muscle in the semi-final triumph over Arsenal.
"He won't play tomorrow (against Arsenal on Saturday) but he should be fit for next Sunday's game at Hull and I am sure he will be available for the final," he said.
"It is one of those calf niggles that usually take 10 days to two weeks (to recover from).
"Other than his work in the gymnasium he is not training at the moment."
Other than Ferdinand, plus long-term casualties Owen Hargreaves and Wes Brown, Ferguson has a fully-fit squad at his disposal as United look to secure at least a point against Arsenal that will ensure they win another Premier League title.
It means changes are certain from Wednesday night, with Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs and Carlos Tevez among those set to get a place in the starting line-up, with Ben Foster standing by if Ferguson decides that Edwin van der Sar needs a break.
"I will freshen up the team from Wednesday because it was a really gruelling game on a very heavy pitch," said Ferguson.
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Comment 8 - 27 of 27
Rio Ferdinands face looks like a doberman dog!
Here's a killer spam mail Qoute of the week..
Man Utd fans will loves this..
Ready check this out..
"Anw that Fat Spanish Butthole still insist he's in with a chance,apparently lurking, stalking & talking to SkySports somewhere"!!..Jesus!!..he's even fooling the fools!!..haha..
P.s:This is nothing personal seriously but LET'S ALL JUST LAUGH OUT LOUD!!..haha..sorry mate i can't help myself..Ouch!!..:)..
come on barcelona get right into this english scum
I HOPE THAT WILL BE AN ITALIAN REFREE OTHERWISE WILL BE ANOTHER FARCE
make no mistake man utd will win the champions league and that's a fact
Something wicked this way comes (from Barcelona)... Manu 0 - Barca 2. Although if it would get that @#$% to retire it might be worth getting Pep to throw the match...
SAF, not too many changes though. we must wrap up the EPL on Saturday, so we focus
on the Champions league.
BEL pa zed
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comment 20 ymca man, it's human nature to err, no single player can play 90 mins & not make a mispass, miskick .
he's a man ,not a robot u kn0wb
no 9 , keepers are mentally drained as they have to concentrate for 90 mins , something you wouldn't understand. do you think they all just stand there & wait for something to do ??? no they are organising & instructing the defence to do that is mentally tough, michael why don't you try & concentrate for 10 minutes , don't bother you ain't got the mentality for it. loot
Ferdinand will make mistakes in final.
Whats that kopshite trying to say?3-1 was the result when chelsea beat liverpool at anfailed
15-no Fletcher is not eligible for the final.
hes talking about fletcher against arsenal mate.
Is Darren Fletcher eligible for the Champions League final? Thought he was suspended.
its the mental sharpness in keepers michael
BELIEVE.
Michael S,Possible injuries?
Comment 9: Michael
Fergie brings players on and off so much its his way of making them all, including Van der Sar, feel part of a team.
i always wonder why managers rest 'keepers. It's not like they charge around for 90 minutes is it, can't exactly be strenuous?
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