Ferdinand facing lengthy spell on sidelines

Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of action until the New Year, according to reports.

Ferdinand has struggled for fitness all season after missing the start of the campaign and is currently sidelined with calf and back problems.

The 30-year-old centre-back was hoping to be in a position to return to action by the middle of next month but reports in The Sun on Thursday suggest that he will be out until at least January, with a problem with the alignment of his hips the cause of his latest trouble.

Ferdinand has been out of action since Manchester United's 2-0 loss to Liverpool last month and is likely to miss a total of 15 matches if he remains sidelined until the New Year.