Out of form: Rio Ferdinand (right) is outmuscled by Fernando Torres, who scored Liverpool's first goal against Manchester United in October's match at Anfield
Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of action until after the New Year after being told he needs at least six weeks of rest and physio work to heal his injured back.
The Manchester United centre-back has been plagued by back trouble since last season and the issue is said to have contributed to several poor displays this term, as well as causing other problems elsewhere in his body.
But Ferdinand is now ready to cure the problem for good, even if it means a lengthy lay-off, according to the Sun.
The England defender had hoped to be back by the start of December, but is likely to miss United's 11 remaining fixtures in 2009, adding to the four games he has sat out since the 2-0 loss at Liverpool in October.
United medical staff are investigating the possibility that Ferdinand, 31, might need his hip realigned to relieve strain on other parts of his body, including his back, says the newspaper.
Meanwhile Ferdinand's defensive colleague Nemanja Vidic should be ready to play against Everton on Saturday after suffering no complication to his calf injury during his return to action in Serbia's 1-0 win over South Korea.
so jialat. he seem to suffer from back pain eh.
he might as well retire lar. luckily got evans coming thru. seems like to need buy another CB as backup.
Originally posted by Rooney9:so jialat. he seem to suffer from back pain eh.
he might as well retire lar. luckily got evans coming thru. seems like to need buy another CB as backup.
it's not like MUFC is missing him or anything right now..
he is a good defender last time. maybe age and injuries have caught up with him.
Cocktart. Time for Evans to shine!
actually O Shea can also play at CB
Originally posted by Rooney9:actually O Shea can also play at CB
our utility man, even Keeper...
Originally posted by Rooney9:actually O Shea can also play at CB
Yeah! But I kinda hate it when O'Shea plays Center Back, sometimes can be clumsy and slow at back tracking.