• Champions League

Rafael a serious doubt for Chelsea return

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 11, 2011
Rafael went off during the first leg against Chelsea © PA Photos
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Brazilian full-back Rafael is the only injury doubt for Sir Alex Ferguson as he prepares Manchester United for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea.

Rafael was forced off with a knee injury during United's 1-0 victory in the first leg at Stamford Bridge last week and was ruled out of Saturday's Premier League win over Fulham.

Ferguson revealed the problem was merely bruising rather than ligament damage but the 20-year-old was restricted to running rather than ball work at the club's Carrington training complex on Monday morning.

Rafael's inclusion remains in doubt, with Wes Brown and John O'Shea both available to play at right-back after recovering from knocks.

With the exception of Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher, who has been laid low by a virus, the remainder of Ferguson's first-team squad took part in training.

That included Rio Ferdinand, who also missed Saturday's game after returning from a calf injury at Stamford Bridge, and Wayne Rooney who was suspended.

However, Rooney is available for the Champions League clash as United look to protect the one goal lead given to them by the England international last week and book a semi-final place almost certainly against German challengers Schalke.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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