PREMIER LEAGUE WEEKEND PREVIEW

SIR ALEX FERGUSON has confirmed our exclusive story that Rio Ferdinand is facing a spell on the sidelines with a back injury.

Although a calf problem had been keeping the Manchester United defender out, there is a fresh concern that means he misses the trip to Chelsea in Sunday's blockbuster clash.

"There has been no improvement," said Ferguson.

"We are having to look at something different because usually you are back from a calf injury within two or three weeks.

"But there is no sign of recovery from this injury so we are looking at whether it is to do with his lower back."

Nemanja Vidic should return and is set to partner either Wes Brown or Jonny Evans with Gary Neville suspended.

Chelsea's John Obi Mikel expects to be fit but the game is likely to come too soon for Jose Bosingwa.

On Saturday, Arsenal will look to put pressure on the top two with victory in the teatime encounter at Wolves.

Tottenham face Sunderland with Darren Bent returning to his former club with more than a point to prove to old boss Harry Redknapp. The Black Cats have problems with Kenywne Jones and Lorik Cana both suspended.

Manchester City meet Burnley and Mark Hughes expects to welcome ex-Arsenal duo Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure back into the side. The Clarets could be unchanged from last weekend's win over Hull.

Blackburn take on Portsmouth, who are without Steve Finnan, and Bolton are at Aston Villa, who must cope with the suspension of both Habib Beye and Stiliyan Petrov following the midweek defeat at West Ham.

There are four games on Sunday, including the big one from Stamford Bridge, with Phil Brown under pressure to get a result going into Hull's home clash with Stoke.

West Ham tackle Everton and Wigan are up against Fulham before the Monday night match sees Liverpool look to regain some momentum against Birmingham.

CLICK HERE for live text commentary, team news, goals and incidents from all the games this weekend.

• FERDINAND INJURY KO
• CHELSEA HANDED TRANSFER REPRIEVE

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