United duo fit for Gunners clash

Alex Ferguson has confirmed both Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes should be available for Manchester United’s top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal on Monday.

Ferdinand was forced out of Tuesday’s Champions League encounter with Valencia after suffering a tight hamstring, while Scholes has been troubled by a groin injury that has forced him to miss United’s last three games.

The pair have trained this week and Ferguson expects both to be in contention to face Arsene Wenger’s side at Old Trafford.

“Everyone is fit,” Ferguson told Key 103.

“Paul Scholes started training yesterday. It was just light stuff but hopefully he will be available for Monday and Rio should be fit as well.”

Defensive duo Jonny Evans and Wes Brown had also been struggling with a virus but they are also in contention as United look to maintain a five-match unbeaten run against the Gunners and leap back to the Premier League summit.

“Jonny and Wes have had a bit of a virus that has been going around the place,” said Ferguson.

“We should have a full squad for Monday.”