United were hoping to have both Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic back for the game against West Ham last Tuesday. Vidic made his comeback but Ferdinand suffered a slight niggle in his back, which United decided not to risk.
It had been confirmed after the 3-0 win over West Ham that Ferdinand wouldn’t be fit for the Carling Cup final this Sunday, and now we know that he won’t be fit for the England friendly and possible the second leg of the tie against AC Milan.
"He [Ferdinand] won't be fit for the England game," Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. "That is obvious."
"It is a blow for us because I was looking forward to having Ferdinand and Vidic back on Tuesday," Sir Alex continued. "Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.
"You never know with back injuries and we have been through this before, but we don't think it is too serious.
"I don't think he will be fit for the AC Milan game but I don't think it will be long afterwards. We think he could be back in two weeks."
There has been talk that Ferdinand may have to retire from International football to prolong his club football, but Sir Alex said that hasn’t even been mentioned.
"I don't think we are at the stage where he should be concentrating on one part of his life in terms of international and domestic football”
"That has never been any issue.
"I have never discussed it with him and I don't think he has ever thought about that himself."
Earlier on this morning it was also confirmed that Anderson would miss the remainder of the season due to rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
Yet more injuries for United, this has been a difficult season for United injury wise but we are coping and that is thanks to a squad full of quality.
