Rio set to miss Gunners clash

Rio Ferdinand is likely to miss out as United aim to clinch the Premier League title against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

A calf strain ruled the defender out of the Reds' wins over Manchester City and Wigan, but Sir Alex Ferguson is still hopeful of having Ferdinand available for the Champions League final against Barcelona.

"Rio is still struggling with a calf strain," the manager told his pre-match press conference. "These niggles usually take a week to 10 days to clear up. Hopefully he'll be fit for Hull and the Champions League final.

"He's not training, he's having treatment. He's doing gym work and work on the bikes. He's our only concern for tomorrow, but I'll freshen up from Wednesday - it was a gruelling game and a heavy pitch."

Jonny Evans is likely to deputise again in Ferdinand's absence, as the Reds chase a point or more in order to secure an 18th league title.