Ancelotti boosted by Rio injury

AC MILAN coach Carlo Ancelotti admits an injury to Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will play into his team’s hands for the Champions League semi-final.

United boss Alex Ferguson revealed Ferdinand will be sidelined for two weeks after a recurrence of his groin strain. If that diagnosis proves accurate, the 28-year-old will miss both matches against Milan.

Ancelotti, speaking after his team’s 3-1 win over Cagliari and learning of Ferdinand’s injury, said: “He (Ferdinand) is a very important player for their defence.”