RIO READY

Last updated : 22 August 2002 By newshound
Mirror:

Rio Ferdinand is back to full fitness and ready to make his Premiership debut for Manchester United at Chelsea tomorrow.

The England defender has recovered from the ankle injury which has sidelined him for almost two weeks.

But although he has told Sir Alex Ferguson he wants to play, the Old Trafford boss will delay a decision until shortly before the game.

With his defence hit by injury, he cannot afford a setback with the 23-year-old, who was initially ruled out for a month after turning an ankle in the friendly against Boca Juniors 12 days ago.

A United insider said: "Rio has been back in full training for a few days. He's made great progress and there's every chance he'll play against Chelsea."