Rio to be back for Gunners clash

The Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, could be back for the return leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.The England international had suffered a heavy injury on his ribs and was thought to be out till season end.

Ferdinand has been told by the doctors that he has a chance to return to full fitness by next Tuesday, although that means he will miss the match against Middlesbrough in the weekend.

The commanding centre back got himself injured in a clash that involved Eduardo da Silva and his own goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, trying to defend his goal in the Champions League first leg match in Old Trafford.

It looked like a heavy blow to Manchester United's chances of regaining the league and champions league titles when Ferdinand was carried away out of the ground in an ambulance. The earlier reports suggested that the player will be out for the season as his ribs were broken.

The latest X-ray report from the hospital in Manchester say that Rio has suffered bruising and swelling and he will fine in a week. Ferguson is more than delighted with this news as Ferdinand is a key player along with Nemanja Vidic in the United back wall.

The youth system player, Jonny Evans will act as cover for Ferdinand in the Champions League match and will start against Middlesbrough in the weekend.