14/04/2007 19:17, Report by Nick CoppackRio hopes for rapid returnRio Ferdinand looks set to miss Tuesday night's Premiership encounter with Sheffield United after limping out of Saturday's FA Cup semi final win over Watford, but he could be back next week to face Middlesbrough.
Ferdinand aggravated a groin injury that he picked up against AS Roma last week, but the defender hopes he will not be out for long.
"I should be all right for Saturday but I don't know about Tuesday against Sheffield United," Rio is quoted as saying on the BBC Sport website.
"Hopefully it's not a long-term injury," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV. "We have three days' rest [before the Sheffield United game] so we'll take advantage of that."
Rio was replaced in the 40th minute by Darren Fletcher, who made the unlikely move to right back. With Fletcher's introduction, Evra switched to his favoured left back position, while Gabriel Heinze moved into the centre to partner Wes Brown. Sir Alex seemingly has little option but to stick with that line-up for the Blades' visit.
Ferdinand joins fellow defenders Gary Neville (ankle), Mikael Silvestre (shoulder), John O'Shea (calf) and Nemanja Vidic (shoulder) on the treatment table, although O'Shea and Neville are both expected to return soon.
The boss does have youngster Craig Cathcart available, who was recently given the No.32 squad number. The 18-year-old is likely to keep his place on the bench against Neil Warnock's side.