Old Trafford: Home of Manchester United(credit:
Wikipedia)
Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva is doubtful for tonight’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea.
The Brazilian was stretchered off with a knee injury during last week’s first leg at Stamford Bridge, which United won 1-0, and did not train with the rest of the squad on Monday, so John O’Shea is on standby after returning from a hamstring injury this past weekend.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson welcomes back Rio Ferdinand after leaving him out of the weekend win over Fulham, and star striker Wayne Rooney is available for European duty while he serves a domestic suspension.
Ferguson is also able to call upon Wes Brown and Anderson with both men having recovered from their respective injuries, but illness once again rules out midfielder Darren Fletcher
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has the luxury of having a fully fit squad to choose from, with Jose Bosingwa having overcome an illness that ruled him out at the weekend.
Brazilian centre-back Alex made his return to action at the weekend and could be named in Ancelotti’s starting XI tonight due to David Luiz being cup-tied.
Yossi Benayoun (Achilles) also made his comeback in the win over Wigan Athletic, and he is set to be in included in the squad at Old Trafford.