Ferdinand injured a hamstring during the opening fixture at West Bromwich Albion and although he returned for the win at Bolton Wanderers earlier this month, he has then been sidelined for three matches with a calf problem
United have not missed the 32-year-old too much, establishing a two-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table whilst also marching into the Carling Cup fourth round with a victory over Ferdinand's former club Leeds United on Tuesday.
However, as well as the Red Devils have done in Ferdinand's absence, Ferguson believes a visit to the Britannia Stadium is one of those occasions when experience is vital.
The United boss has already pinpointed Stoke City as being one of the top flight's emerging powers despite their four-goal hammering at Sunderland on Sunday.
And, speaking to the club's official website, Ferguson made it clear he would like to have Ferdinand back to offer some reassurance to his youthful squad.
ALSO SIDELINED
"I'm hoping Rio will be okay for Saturday," said Ferguson.
"When you go to Stoke you need a bit of experience.
"Rio came into the team when we played at Bolton and gave us that experience, so we hope he'll be fit for Saturday."
As skipper Nemanja Vidic is also sidelined and Brazilian full-back Rafael is ruled out with a shoulder problem, United do not have a huge amount of options at the back.
Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia were pressed into service in a strange-looking back four at Elland Road and they were joined by Dimitar Berbatov once 19-year-old debutant Eziekel Fryers had limped off with cramp.
And if Ferdinand is available this weekend, in-form Phil Jones would probably switch to full-back as England's Chris Smalling is doubtful with a groin injury
No comments:
Post a Comment