Ferdinand out of England-Egypt friendly

Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of England’s friendly against Egypt next week following a recurrence of a back injury that is threatening his chances of leading his country at the World Cup.

Manchester United centre-back Ferdinand, who had been due to captain England, had already been ruled out of Sunday’s League Cup final against Aston Villa after the problem in his back flared up before Tuesday’s win over West Ham.

That match came just three games into the 31-year-old’s comeback from a long-standing back complaint which kept him out for more than three months.

Ferdinand has made only 10 competitive appearances for his club this season but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson still believes the former Leeds star will be fit to play a key role in the run-in.

“It is a blow for us because I was looking forward to having Ferdinand and Vidic back on Tuesday,” Ferguson said on Thursday.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. You never know with back injuries and we have been through this before, but we don’t think it is too serious.

“I don’t think he will be fit for the AC Milan game but I don’t think it will be long afterwards. We think he could be back in two weeks.”

Ferdinand had been due to take over as England skipper from John Terry, who was stripped of the captaincy last month following a string of lurid headlines over an extra-marital affair and alleged abuse of his position.

In his absence, vice-captain Steven Gerrard will lead England against Egypt at Wembley, with either Frank Lampard or Wayne Rooney likely to act as vice-captain.

Some pundits have claimed Ferguson may ask Ferdinand to reduce his England commitments in an attempt to prolong his career.

United’s veteran winger Ryan Giggs quit Wales duty to help extend his time at Old Trafford, but Ferguson insists Ferdinand is not at that stage.

“I don’t think we are at the stage where he should be concentrating on one part of his life in terms of international and domestic football,” Ferguson said.

“That has never been any issue. I have never discussed it with him and I don’t think he has ever thought about that himself.”