Ferdinand Set to Miss Lancashire Clash

Rio Out for Bolton
By Chris O'Brien
January 6 2004

United defender Rio Ferdinand looks set to miss Wednesday's Premiership clash with Lancashire rivals Bolton Wanderers due to a virus. The centre half, currently surrounded by controversy following his ban for a missed drugs test, also missed Sunday's Cup tie against Aston Villa.

Rio Ferdinand looks likely to miss Manchester United’s trip to the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday as he struggles to recover from a virus.

Irish international John O’Shea, who put in a pleasing performance in the FA Cup tie against Aston Villa, looks set to take the place of the £30million defender at the heart of United’s defence.

Ferdinand’s virus, which also saw him miss Sunday’s Cup clash, only adds controversy to the situation surrounding the centre half. His 8-month ban date was due to start January 12th, but now looks to be moved to at least a week later due to complications over paperwork confirming the suspension.

After the game against Lancashire rivals Bolton, United play Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton in a tough January schedule, as well as an F.A Cup Fourth Round fixture away to either Rotherham United or Northampton Town. Rio should be fit in time to face Newcastle United on Saturday, but how many more games he will then be available for before his ban kicks in are currently unknown.