Ferdinand to see specialist

MANCHESTER United’s Rio Ferdinand was seeing a specialist today in a bid to overcome a back problem.

The defender has missed the Reds’ last five games because of a back spasm.

He trained all week and United medical staff thought he he would be fit to face Chelsea yesterday.

But he suffered another back spasm on the eve of the match, and United decided to seek specialist advice to try to discover the root cause of the problem.

Left-back Patrice Evra, who returned yesterday after completing a four-match ban, limped out of the game after picking up a knock setting up United’s second goal. It is thought he suffered a dead leg.


NEWCASTLE United are interested in taking City striker Jo on loan for the remainder of the season.

Manager Mark Hughes may turn to Chelsea’s Carlo Cudicini if he fails to sign Magpies ’keeper Shay Given, and Portsmouth have enquired about taking striker Benjani back to Fratton Park, which could become a reality if City land Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy.