BUTT AND FERDINAND

Last updated : 09 September 2003 By editor

United duo Rio Ferdinand and Nicky Butt have both been forced to withdraw from Wednesday's Euro 2004 qualifier with Liechtenstein at Old Trafford through injury.

Butt played against Macedonia in Saturday's 2-1 success but has an ongoing ankle problem and will not be fit for the game on his home ground.

Ferdinand missed the game in Skopje with a knee problem and it has not recovered sufficiently for him to be considered against the Group Seven whipping boys.

Football Association media spokesman Adrian Bevington said:

"Nicky Butt and Rio Ferdinand unfortunately have had to withdraw from the squad due to injury. Nicky has an ankle problem and will not be recovered in time for Wednesday's match. Rio is still not fully recovered from the problem that kept him out of Saturday's game."