Rafael fit to face Chelsea

Doubts lifted

The Manchester United defender was stretchered off with a knee injury in the Reds’ Champions League first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge last Wednesday, immediately casting doubt on his involvement in the return leg at Old Trafford. He now looks set to play.
“Rafael should be okay for Tuesday.”
- Sir Alex


Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Rafael da Silva should be fit to face Chelsea on Tuesday.
The Manchester United defender was stretchered off with a knee injury in the Reds’ Champions League first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge last Wednesday, immediately casting doubt on his involvement in the return leg at Old Trafford.
The young Brazilian did manage to limp unassisted onto the United team bus that evening, but the Reds still sent the 20-year-old for a precautionary scan the following day.
At his press conference on Friday morning, Sir Alex revealed there had been “no bruising or ligament damage to his knee” and was confident the right-back would be fit to line up against Chelsea on Tuesday.
There was a similar diagnosis after the Reds’ 2-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.
“Rafael should be okay for Tuesday,” he revealed, while also acknowledging the return of a number of other players.
“Wes Brown’s back, Antonio Valencia’s back… John O’Shea’s been out with a hamstring injury and he’s come through [the Fulham game] well. Players are coming back and that gives us a heck of a boost.”
The boss reserved special mention for winger Antonio Valencia, who again shone in Saturday’s 2-0 win.
“The man’s a marvellous footballer,” Sir Alex said. “I think we chose the right time to take him off today, to keep him fresh for Chelsea. He’ll have an important role on Tuesday.”