Rio gets green light

Manchester United have confirmed Rio Ferdinand will be available for Saturday's crunch Premier League showdown with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Despite being named captain, Ferdinand was substituted during last weekend's 4-1 win over Middlesbrough, apparently uninjured. But, in a statement, the Red Devils claimed that the England defender will face the Gunners this weekend as they look to open up a three-point lead at the top of the table. It is good news for Sir Alex Ferguson, who yesterday saw midfielder Paul Scholes ruled out for three months after being forced to undergo knee surgery. However, with Owen Hargreaves returning to duty on Saturday and both Michael Carrick and Gary Neville set to make their comebacks after recent lay-offs, it does appear United's early season injury problems are easing.
Staff reporter, Daily Mail