Thigh strain sidelines Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is set to miss Manchester United FC's opening match in the second group stage of the UEFA Champions League against FC Basel in Switzerland after tearing a thigh muscle during his side's 2-0 victory against Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Vital month
The record €47m signing is also odds on to sit out trips to former club West Ham United FC, Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC in a month of vital action.

'Body blow'
Coach Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the injury was bad news for his side. "It is a real body blow because he had only just come back from his knee operation," he said. "But it just illustrates the kind of season we have had with injuries."

Injury woe
The 24-year-old England defender's Old Trafford career has been severely hindered by injury since his summer move from Leeds United AFC. He missed the first three matches of the season after turning an ankle in the pre-season friendly against Boca Juniors FC and was then absent for a further three outings after opting to have a knee operation.

Deputy O'Shea
Impressive youngster John O'Shea is likely to partner Laurent Blanc in central defence on Sunday, with Gary Neville returning at right-back. Wes Brown will also be in contention again for a first-team place after putting in 60 minutes for United's reserves on Thursday night after his return from a broken ankle.

Group D
United were today drawn in Group D in the second group stage of the Champions League, alongside Juventus FC, RC Deportivo La Coruña and Basel.