Ferdinand is currently struggling with a calf problem and Fergie is refusing to rush him back into action.
“Rio isn’t far away now,” said Ferguson.
“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.”
