Ferdinand expected to play at Spurs

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could return from injury in time for Saturday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

The England centre-back has been sidelined with a thigh injury since the Community Shield defeat to Chelsea in August but has stepped up his recovery in training all week.

United manager Alex Ferguson also confirmed defenders Gary Neville, Fabio and Wes Brown are all available for Spurs but Ireland international John O'Shea is a doubt with a calf injury. O' Shea was sent back to United after his game as he "coud not run at all" before the Ireland international game! (according to the Ireland manager). Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni adds on and has warned that O'Shea "could be ruled out for a couple of months if he is rushed back into action too soon."

"We're better off than we have been for months, in terms of defensive options," Ferguson told the club website.

Stay tuned for more posts on the Spurs game build up.

Cheers!