Ferdinand out of Egypt friendly

Ferguson also confirmed that Brazilian midfielder Anderson would be out for the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate ligament, an injury sustained in United's 3-0 Premier League win over West Ham on Tuesday.

Ferguson said Anderson, "had shown great energy and enthusiasm" on Tuesday but would be out for at least six months. The injury rules out any hope he had of making Brazil's squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa, which start on June 11.

Ferguson added: "Rio Ferdinand is also out for Sunday, but his back injury is not serious. There's good news with light at the end of the tunnel for Ryan Giggs, who'll be back in training soon."

Giggs has not played since fracturing his arm against Aston Villa on February 10.

Defender Ferdinand, who has already missed a large part of the season because of his back problem, felt a twinge in training earlier in the week.

He was due to captain England against Egypt at Wembley Stadium next Wednesday following the recent demotion of former skipper John Terry.

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