Ferdinand likely for Arsenal clash

MANCHESTER: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could be available for next week's Champions League semifinal at Arsenal after tests cleared him of a cracked rib.

Ferdinand was feared to have been seriously injured Wednesday in a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the semifinals.

But United manager Alex Ferguson said Friday that Ferdinand bruised his lung and hopes the centre back will be fit for Tuesday's return leg at Emirates Stadium.

Ferguson said: "It's good news with Rio - it is not a cracked bone. He had a bit of bruising on the lung, which was why he was coughing up blood, but there has been nothing since then."

Ferdinand will not be risked in the Premier League leaders' match at Middlesbrough on Saturday.