Vidic and Ferdinand doubtful

Posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 by PA

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a defensive headache ahead of the Barclays Premier League match against Blackburn at Old Trafford.

Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are both doubtful with calf problems and Gary Neville is suspended.

Ryan Giggs also has a knock and Danny Welbeck, who scored in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek, is sidelined with a knee injury.

Darren Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park remain absent with groin and knee injuries respectively.

Blackburn, whose squad have been struck by swine flu, have lost all four games on the road in the league this season.

Rovers were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea at the weekend although, like United, they progressed in the cup at the expense of Peterborough, managed by Ferguson's son Darren.

Ferguson said: "I spoke to Sam (Allardyce) before the Chelsea game and he had concerns about the flu.

"He had players missing but David Dunn was back during the week and maybe others will be fit. Flu does happen but so far we are okay.

"I am not sure what kind of team Sam will be able to pick but it will be a hard game as it is a local derby.

"While I am told they have a poor away record, I think Sam has had to build a different team."

Jason Roberts is the latest Blackburn player to come down with suspected swine flu ahead of the clash.

The striker did not report to training this morning and is almost certain to miss the encounter.

One player also thought to have suffered with the virus is David Dunn, but the midfielder looked to be in good health when he came off the bench against Peterborough in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night, and is set to play again.

Another is Chris Samba, who is back in training but unlikely to feature as he is still feeling weak.

Pascal Chimbonda returns having recovered from his calf injury and Vince Grella is back in training after his thigh problem, but is unlikely to appear for the first team until next week.

Blackburn go into Saturday's match having failed to pick up a point in their last nine away league games and Allardyce has called for a greater mental strength from his team.

"It's about the mentality of the players and we have to have the same desire to compete against the opposition away from home as we do at home," he said.

"We just seem to stand off the opposition, whereas at home we are all over them like a rash.

"It is a big concern for me, the staff and the players."