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-finals.

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.”

However, the Rossoneri coach is concerned about United’s attacking potential.

He said: “We will have to be careful and keep possession of the ball but that could be a two-edged sword because if we do not do well our opponents could hit us on the counter-attack.”

United host Milan at Old Trafford on Tuesday before playing the second leg at the San Siro on May 2.