Ferdinand sits out in La Manga

Rio Ferdinand was one of three England players to miss training in La Manga as the FA insisted the defender's fitness had not been risked against South Africa.

Ferdinand had a scan on a knee problem last Thursday, but was given the go-ahead to take part in the game in Durban.

He was substituted at half-time, revealing afterwards that "I hope it's not that serious, but it has got gradually worse and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed".

Ferdinand flew to Spain with the squad on Friday, being joined on the flight by new arrivals Wayne Rooney, James Beattie, Wayne Bridge, Ashley Cole and Jamie Carragher, while David Beckham left for treatment on the broken bone in his wrist.

On Saturday the United centre-back was put through a gym session along with Paul Scholes, who also sustained a knock to his knee during the game in Durban, and Steve Gerrard, who routinely does not go through a full session in the aftermath of matches.

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington insisted: "We are in daily communication with Manchester United's medical staff.

"We would like to make it quite clear that while Rio went for a scan last Thursday, it was done with the complete agreement of Manchester United.

"The scan showed that Rio was okay to play."

Rooney, who has also been troubled by a knee problem which caused him to miss the trip to South Africa, was put through a solo session on the training pitch by physio Gary Lewin along with John Terry, who has had a thigh problem.

While Owen Hargreaves does not join up until after next weekend's German Cup final, the remaining 17 squad members did take part in the first full training session at La Manga.

They were expected to undergo daily sessions of up to two hours each morning during their week's stay, while being given free time with their families each afternoon.