The England star was injured on the eve of the Premier League season when he damaged a thigh in training.

He was expected to be out for a month, but he is now well ahead of schedule and Ferguson has confirmed that he is in contention to play this weekend.

"Rio has been in training this week and has a got a chance for Saturday," United boss Ferguson said.

"I'm not sure how big a chance but he has got a chance.

"I don't know if there is any injuries with the players coming back from games but I think the England players are all right."

Ferguson has lost John O'Shea with a calf injury, but Gary Neville, Fabio da Silva and Wes Brown are also fit again and Ferguson is pleased with his options in the back four.

"We're better off than we have been for months, in terms of defensive options," he said.