Read more about Manchester United.
Ferdinand could be out until September
Manchester United, 16:31, July 25, 2010 ,
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed influential defender Rio Ferdinand could be out of action until September.
He picked up a knee injury whilst training with England ahead of the World Cup in South Africa that forced him out of the national side but there were hopes that he could return for Manchester United's opening Premier League clash against Newcastle United on August 16.
However, speaking on the club's official website, the United boss has stated that Ferdinand is "probably around six weeks away from playing", meaning these early hopes were somewhat premature.
This will not only be a blow to United fans, but it could also rule him out of England's first two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland at the beginning of September.
However, there is better news for those considering using their free bet to back United to claim their title off Chelsea this season as Gary Neville and Antonio Valencia have both returned to full training.
Michael Owen has yet to recover from his hamstring injury though, whilst Anderson is unlikely to return to action before the end of September. Owen Hargreaves is another long-term absentee due to a tendinitis issue.