Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand to be fit for Porto Champions League clash

Rio Ferdinand is on course to be fit for Manchester United's must-win Champions League tie with Porto.

Ferdinand, who has missed United's last three games with a groin problem, is ready to reclaim his starting place for Wednesday's decisive return leg.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate for Ferdinand to return to shore up United's defence, which has shipped five goals in the England defender's absence.

Ferdinand could have played in United's 2-1 win at Sunderland on Saturday, but it was decided not to take the risk to ensure he is fit for Wednesday.

Ferdinand has been included in United's travelling party that leaves for Porto tomorrow and is ready to resume his successful central defensive partnership with Nemanja Vidic.

A source close to Ferdinand rated the 30-year-old's chances as "80-20" to start on Wednesday and said the defender was willing to undergo pain-killing injections to play.

"Rio could have played at Sunderland but the decision was taken by United to wrap him in cotton wool to make sure he's ready for Wednesday," said the source.

"That could be the defining game of United's season and Rio is determined to start so he can give everything he's got to ensure they make it through."

While his team-mates travelled to Sunderland, Ferdinand stayed behind at United's Carrington training ground at the weekend to continue his light training programme.

Ferdinand will step up his recovery programme by starting ball-work today and will join in full training with his team-mates at Porto's Estadio da Dragao tomorrow night.

The groin injury which has kept Ferdinand sidelined for United's last three games is related to the recurring back problem which has plagued him all season.

Although United's medical staff have sought to combat the back issue with rest and regular physiotherapy, Ferdinand may need to undergo an operation in the summer.