Rio Ferdinand may yet line out against Roma for the second leg of the Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final clash against the Italians at Old Trafford tomorrow night.

The United defender had a scan yesterday after limping off during the 2-2 Premier League draw away to Middlesbrough at the weekend. The fact he left the Riverside with his foot in a protective casing suggested he would be sidelined for some time.

However, Alex Ferguson today offered hope that at least one half of his formidable central defence partnership could still be fit to defend United's 2-0 lead after the scan revealed no broken bone in his left foot.

"Rio's scan was clear and we hope to have him on Wednesday," said Ferguson, who is also without Nemanja Vidic for at least another two to three weeks.

Against Middlesbrough, Ferguson was forced to use Gerard Pique as cover in central defence and he may have to use the squad player more than he has planned.