Rio Ferdinand's 'Tough Battle' For Final

6 months ago 21st May 10:22

Rio Ferdinand has admitted he faces "the toughest battle of his career" to be fit for Manchester United's Champions League final in Rome on Wednesday, the BBC reports.

The defender has missed three games with a calf injury and has been told to have any chance of featuring in the final against Barcelona he must prove his fitness against Hull City on Saturday.

Ferdinand said: "It's perhaps the most important injury battle of my career. I've not thought about not playing in the final. It's as simple as that."

The 30 year old last played fir United in their Champions League semi-final, second-leg victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on 5 May. Not long after he suffered his calf injury in training. He also sustained a rib injury in the first leg and has suffered from back and groin problems this season.

If Ferdinand cannot prove his fitness he is likely to be replaced by Jonny Evans.