Rio back in big league

RIO Ferdinand is in line for a Champions League recall as Manchester United take on Valencia tonight.

The central defender, plagued by a persistent back injury for most of 2010, needed to stand up for the majority of United’s two-hour flight to Spain.

But although the back still needs careful attention, the 31-year-old is expected to take his place in the heart of a United defence which has conceded nine goals in the last five league games without him.

Ferguson will be determined to get something from tonight’s game following the Reds’ 0-0 draw against Rangers in the opening group match at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.

Ferguson confirmed striker Wayne Rooney could be out for up to three weeks from the ankle injury he suffered at Bolton on Sunday. If it is three weeks, he would miss a Champions League clash with Bursaspor and, potentially the trip to Stoke on October 24.

Ferguson hopes to have his £27million forward back for the Old Trafford encounter with West Brom on October 16, which would mean after tonight he would only miss two games – and one of those is England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.

In addition to United’s loss of Rooney, Paul Scholes has also been consigned to a 10–day period on the sidelines, where he joins Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia.