Rio Ferdinand’s recovery from injury is on schedule and he is set to return in time to face local rivals Manchester City in September.
Ferdinand has been sidelined with a thigh strain and has missed Man United's Premier League title defence so far. The defender is set to miss this weekend's home game against Arsenal, as well as England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia.
The classy stopper will also miss the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on September 12, but will figure in Sir Alex Ferguson's plans eight days later is his recovery is on schedule.
An Old Trafford insider told The Daily Mirror, "Rio's making good progress but it's important he doesn't rush back. When he's back he wants to make sure he doesn't breakdown again."
"It's a muscular problem but with the right medical care and rehab he should get rid of it and be ready to play in three weeks."
Jonny Evans will fill the void left by Ferdinand in the meantime, even though he is playing hurt.