Manchester United Defender Nemanja Vidic, who suffered a facial injury against Chelsea last month, sat out training this evening as the two sides prepare to meet in tomorrow's Champions League final.

However, the club insisted he will play and a spokesman added: "He is on a different training programme to other people."

Alex Ferguson, who will name his team on the afternoon of the game, also dismissed concerns about the pitch. The grass surface at the Luzhniki Stadium has come under scrutiny after groundsman Matt Frost revealed it had not had time to bed down following its laying just 15 days ago.

A second pitch was required after the initial one, placed on top of the 'plastic' surface that is normally used at the stadium last October, was deemed unacceptable.

But Ferguson said: "I think Uefa have done their best. The fact they have relaid it from Astroturf to turf is a big delight to me. We are happy in that sense. You have to remind yourself that Old Trafford in January or February is not the best in the league."

A Uefa spokesman added: "In terms of the quality, we have made some tests in the last few days and it is perfectly fine. It may not look very, very green on television, but, essentially, it is a good pitch to play football on.

"At this stage, we are confident it will be fine."