Ferdinand should be fit for Arsenal match

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand should be fit for next week's Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, manager Alex Ferguson said today.

Ferdinand was substituted towards the end of United's 1-0 first leg win over Arsenal on Wednesday and was seen grimacing and holding his ribs as he walked from the pitch.

"We have assessed the situation and the good news is that there is nothing cracked or broken which is terrific news," Ferguson told reporters.

"There is some bruising which caused a bit of coughing of blood when it happened but nothing has happened since so hopefully we will be able to get him ready for Tuesday."

Ferdinand will miss the Premier League trip to Middlesbrough tomorrow as a precaution and Ferguson again complained that his side have to play in a lunch-time kick off so soon after their European endeavours.

"The teams who play in Europe should not play at a lunchtime on Saturday," he said.

"That is for all teams, not just Manchester United, and you would think that these guys who sit in an office all week would think of that."