Rio may take on Arsenal

Rio Ferdinand has quashed speculation that he faces a long spell on the sidelines, and has said that he may play in Man Utd's game against Arsenal at the weekend. After being substituted during the latter stages of Manchester United's win over Middlesbrough, reports circulated of a groin problem.

"I got subbed after 75 minutes at the weekend and the manager said it was just to rest me, which I hope was true.

"If selected then I will definitely be playing against Arsenal.

"I have been training hard this week and have been getting ready for the game."

While there was no word from United on whether the 28-year-old had undergone a scan or not, it is fairly obvious Sir Alex Ferguson would want Ferdinand in his side this weekend if at all possible.

"It will be a good statement if we win but I don't think it will be an outright yes that who wins the game will win the league," said Ferdinand.

"We need to make sure we give a good account of ourselves and get the points to keep us at the right end of the league."