Ferdinand will be back to face Chelsea

Rio Ferdinand is set to return for Manchester United on Friday when they face Chelsea.

His comeback after an ankle injury will help ease a crippling defensive crisis at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand watched the 1-0 victory against West Brom from the stands alongside fellow England international Gary Neville, who is three weeks away from a return following his broken foot.

Manager Alex Ferguson said: "The injuries have been a problem but hopefully Rio will be back this week, which will help, and Gary is about three weeks away.

"We are assessing the situation but the question is who do you go and buy to keep the strength of the squad up.

"The good players have all gone by now and this is totally the wrong time to be looking around."