Soccer:Rio Ferdinand will be fit for Manchester United's local derby at Blackburn on Monday. The former England international centre half had to be replaced during the win over Fulham with a back problem but manager Alex Ferguson feels the prompt action will ensure his most experienced defender is fit for the Ewood Park encounter.

Nani (ankle) is still sidelined, along with long-term absentees Michael Owen, Anders Lindegaard, Anderson, Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher.

Man Utd squad:De Gea, Amos, Rafael, Jones, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evans, Fabio, Evra, Valencia, Park, Scholes, Cleverley, Carrick, Pogba, Giggs, Young, Rooney, Welbeck, Hernandez, Berbatov.