Sir Alex Ferguson expects to have Rio Ferdinand back in his Manchester United Football Club plans for the busy festive period.

The England international defender is currently sidelined with a calf injury which is connected to a long-standing back problem, but Ferguson expects him back next month.

“Rio isn't far away now," said the Reds boss. "He is doing much better and thinks he is at the level he was when he was playing last time. But we have got to handle it correctly.

“I would expect him to be back before Christmas. I don't think we would consider an operation. You don't operate on a back unless it is really serious and it's not that bad."

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