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United wait on Rio return

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 27/12/2009
Football betting

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that central defender Rio Ferdinand will return to action in the near future after having been sidelined for two months.

The 30-year-old has not featured for the Red Devils since the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in late October, having been troubled by a long-standing back problem.

Ferguson confirmed: "We gave Rio an injection just over two weeks ago so we have to let that settle for a week then he can go back into the gym work and do some more core work.

"We are just hoping that pain goes away.

"There is no light at the end of the tunnel and it is difficult to put a timescale on a back injury, but I don't think he is too far away."

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Stoke City striker Mamady Sidibe has asked to be left out of the Mali squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations, as he continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury.

The 30-year-old wants to focus on his career with the Potters, having made three starts in recent weeks for Tony Pulis' side.

Sidibe told The Sentinel: "I have had a chat with the Mali manager and given him my opinion.

"I have just come back from the injury and I think it would be too much for me to go and play there."

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has dismissed suggestions that he is willing to sell captain Robbie Keane in the January transfer window.

The 29-year-old Republic of Ireland forward has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane after reportedly organising a Christmas party against the wishes of Redknapp.

However, the Spurs boss said: "I don't want to sell Robbie, there's not too many Robbie Keanes about in the game.

"He has enthusiasm and knowledge, a lot of things that he brings into the game, so he's certainly not a player we'd want to lose."

England skipper Andrew Strauss has backed opening partner Alastair Cook to battle his way through a patch of poor form.

Twenty-five-year-old left-hander Cook is without a half-century in his last eight Test innings and struggled in the first Test against South Africa at Centurion.

However, Strauss told reporters: "I am happy with the way he is playing and happy with some of the adjustments he has made.

"There are times when cricket is tough, but I know Alastair has the character and temperament to come through it."

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