RIO FERDINAND could be out for up to EIGHT WEEKS with a worrying back injury.
The Manchester United and England defender has been carrying the injury for months.
And now anxious United physios are demanding he gets the rest and treatment he needs to cure the problem. Ferdinand may need to see a specialist after being left out of United's 2-0 Premier League triumph over Blackburn yesterday.
His back ailment has affected his running but Ferdinand had soldiered on bravely - despite being less than 75 per cent fit - because of his desire to help the club.
The news of his injury comes as former England boss Graham Taylor claimed the United superstar had "lost his legs."
Ferdinand had been criticised over Fernando Torres' goal in Liverpool's 2-0 win over United last week and his performance for England against the Ukraine.
Taylor insisted: "He struggled to keep up with Torres and I just don't think he is - or will be - the wonderful player he once was."
But sources at Old Trafford insist there is no concern about his form - only his injury.
An Old Trafford insider revealed: "All Rio wants to do is play pain free.
"This injury first flared up before United's Champions League quarter-final against Porto last season and it has gradually got worse.
"Now the problem has been identified and needs to be cured, whether it takes two, four, six or eight weeks."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is also furious that Ferdinand's form is being questioned.
He defended his big centre-half - who turns 31 next Saturday - after critics attacked his recent performances on the pitch.
And Fergie knows that a fully fit Ferdinand is still the best centre-half in the world.
> Posted by: Iconic Magazine
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