Rio Ferdinand was left at home this morning as Manchester United headed to Turkey for tomorrow's Champions League clash with Bursaspor.

United have not given an official reason for Ferdinand's absence but it could be a precautionary measure due to the central defender's long-standing back problems.

With crucial Premier League games against Wolves and Manchester City coming up, the four-hour flight would do little to ease the 31-year-old England skipper's discomfort.

But Ferdinand claims his absence has nothing to do with any fitness concerns.

Speaking on his official Twitter page, he said: "Just finished training this morning, good running session done.

"Reports that I'm not travelling to Turkey coz it will affect my back are once again WRONG. Where do they get this rubbish from?

"I am not injured and IF I was, you would hear it here first!"


Source: The Sun