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Carrick set to return

MICHAEL Carrick could be in contention to face Arsenal this weekend with the midfielder expected to be given the all clear to resume training this week.

Carrick dislocated his elbow in the Champions' League victory over Roma last month - and his return will be welcome news following Paul Scholes' lengthy lay off with knee ligament damage.

Indeed Carrick could be the big winner at Manchester United following Scholes' injury, which will keep him out for three months.

While his absence is undoubtedly bad news for the champions, it offers Carrick a route back into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-choice line-up.

The former Tottenham man's swift recovery means he could even make the squad for Saturday's trip to the Emirates Stadium.

He will be thirsting for an opportunity to shine with many expecting him to be on the fringes following Owen Hargreaves' return to fitness.

Rio injury fears quashed

RIO Ferdinand has shaken off injury fears and is set to take his place in the heart of Manchester United's defence against Arsenal on Saturday.

The England international was substituted during the champions' 4-1 win over Middlesbrough last weekend - leading to suggestions he'd suffered a recurrence of the groin problem sustained at the end of last season.

United refused to confirm whether the centre back underwent a scan for the problem - but insisted he will be ready to take on Premiership leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

In a club statement they said: "Reports in Tuesday's press claimed the Reds defender has experienced a recurrence of an old groin injury and would miss the key Premier League clash.

"However, the influential 28-year-old centre-back trained with the rest of the squad at Carrington on Tuesday, and is considered fully fit and ready to play against the Gunners."

It is good news for Sir Alex Ferguson, who yesterday saw midfielder Paul Scholes ruled out for three months after being forced to undergo knee surgery.

However, with Owen Hargreaves returning to duty on Saturday and both Michael Carrick and Gary Neville set to make their comebacks after recent lay-offs, it does appear United's early season injury problems are easing.

There's only ONE UNITED ! ! !