RIO FERDINAND: WORLD CUP DREAM HANGS IN THE BALANCE

Doctors are preparing to deliver their verdict on an injury which has plagued Rio Ferdinand since the summer.

Despite denials from the Manchester United defender and his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, serious doubts about Ferdinand’s long-term fitness have been mounting since former England manager Graham Taylor claimed that the player had “lost his legs.”

And with present England manager Fabio Capello insisting he won’t take anyone who isn’t 100 per cent fit to South Africa, fears that Ferdinand could miss the plane are mounting.

The 31-year-old defender has not featured for Manchester United for more than a month. Ferguson is reluctant to put a date on Ferdinand’s return.

He said: “Rio is making progress but it’s difficult with back injuries.”

Ferdinand’s brother, Anton, also faces a fight to rescue his career.

The central defender has fallen out of favour at Sunderland and has hinted he wants to return south.