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Ferdinand has been included in United's
travelling party that leaves for Porto.
Rio Ferdinand is on course to be fit for
Manchester United's must-win Champions League tie with Porto.
Ferdinand, who has missed United's last three games with a groin
problem, is ready to reclaim his starting place for Wednesday's
decisive return leg.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate for Ferdinand to
return to shore up United's defence, which has shipped five goals
in the England defender's absence.
Ferdinand could have played in United's 2-1 win at Sunderland on
Saturday, but it was decided not to take the risk to ensure he is
fit for Wednesday.
Ferdinand has been included in United's travelling party that
leaves for Porto tomorrow and is ready to resume his successful
central defensive partnership with Nemanja Vidic.
A source close to Ferdinand rated the 30-year-old's chances as
"80-20" to start on Wednesday and said the defender was willing to
undergo pain-killing injections to play.
"Rio could have played at Sunderland but the decision was taken
by United to wrap him in cotton wool to make sure he's ready for
Wednesday," said the source. "That could be the defining game of
United's season and Rio is determined to start so he can give
everything he's got to ensure they make it through."
While his team-mates travelled to Sunderland, Ferdinand stayed
behind at United's Carrington training ground at the weekend to
continue his light training programme.
Ferdinand will step up his recovery programme by starting
ball-work today and will join in full training with his team-mates
at Porto's Estadio da Dragao tomorrow night.
The groin injury which has kept Ferdinand sidelined for United's
last three games is related to the recurring back problem which has
plagued him all season.
Although United's medical staff have sought to combat the back
issue with rest and regular physiotherapy, Ferdinand may need to
undergo an operation in the summer.
