Ferdinand may yet face Chelsea

Soccer:Alex Ferguson has not entirely ruled Rio Ferdinand out of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea, but the deposed England captain is more likely to return from injury next weekend.

Ferdinand has not made an appearance since suffering a calf problem in the warm-up prior to the Premier League defeat at Wolves at the beginning of February.

The 32-year-old's progress was so slow Ferguson raised doubts over his ability to get back on the pitch before the end of the season. However, he has resumed training this week and, so far, come through without a reaction.

It leaves Ferguson with a dilemma about whether to push Ferdinand through another session on Saturday - when his team-mates are tackling West Ham at Upton Park - in the knowledge that if he comes through without a hitch, he could be rushed back to face Carlo Ancelotti's men, or hold him back until next week, meaning it will be the Premier League encounter with Fulham that will mark his return.

"Rio has started training," said Ferguson. "He has only been training two days and then just a light session today. I have to decide whether we bring in him tomorrow, or give him a day off and start him on Wednesday again.

"He is more likely to be fit for Fulham."

Yet Ferguson may ultimately conclude it is worth taking a gamble given none of his other injured defenders will be back to face Chelsea, whilst a few may be available for Fulham.

Rafael, John O'Shea and Wes Brown could all tackle Mark Hughes' men. But none of that trio will make the trip to Stamford Bridge, when Jonny Evans will be available as he serves a three-match domestic ban.

None of this helps his team selection tomorrow, when Ferguson accepts filling the right-back slot is going to be a major issue.

"We have to solve that and find the right solution," he said.

It seems almost certain Brazilian Fabio will fill the void, with Chris Smalling partnering skipper Nemanja Vidic in central defence.

At least Ferguson finally has options in midfield.

Park Ji-sung could make his first start since he left for Asian Cup duty in Qatar, whilst Anderson is likely to be on the bench at Upton Park after recovering from a knee injury it was initially suggested would rule him out for the season.

However, Darren Fletcher is still troubled by a virus, whilst Owen Hargreaves' United career now looks to be at an end following the shoulder problem he picked up in training.

"It is another huge setback for the lad," said Ferguson.

Meanwhile, David De Gea's representatives have claimed United have inquired about the availability of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper. United are considering their options for next season as the prepare for Edwin van der Sar's resignation.

Ferguson has dispatched his scouts and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele around the world looking at possible successors to Van der Sar. In recent months they are known to have watched Manuel Neuer, Maarten Stekelenburg, Rene Adler and De Gea, while also being linked with a number of others.

Recent reports have suggested that United have already lodged an offer for De Gea, and although this has been played down by Atletico, his agent has admitted that contact has been made.

"Well, we did have talks with Manchester United but, first of all, they always look for an agreement with the club," Hector Rincon confirmed. "Anyway, most of the biggest European teams have shown interest in David de Gea."

Rincon insists he does not know whether Atletico would even be willing to sell.

"What I can tell you is that his release clause now is €20million, but I have no idea if the club would sell him for less. Right now, the player has a contract with Atletico Madrid and if Manchester United or any other team want him they will have to reach an agreement or pay the whole release clause."