Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson fully expects to have Rio Ferdinand back in his first-team plans by Christmas.

Ferdinand, 31, has sat out the last five games with a calf injury which is linked to his long-running battle with a back complaint.

But despite recent suggestions that Ferdinand requires surgery and could be missing for a significant period of time, Ferguson has revealed that he expects to have the England international available for the busy festive period.

"Rio isn't far away now," he revealed"He is doing much better and thinks he is at the level he was when he was playing last time. But we have got to handle it correctly.

"He is seeing the right medical people and I would expect him to be back before Christmas.

"I don't think we would consider an operation. You don't operate on a back unless it is really serious and it's not that bad."

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