Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed Rio Ferdinand will be doubtful for the UEFA Champions League final if he does not play against Hull City this weekend.
Ferdinand sustained a calf injury in the second leg of Manchester United's Champions League semi-final victory over Arsenal and has missed the last three games.
Having not played since 5th May, Ferguson is keen for the centre-back to prove his fitness in Sunday's Premier League clash at the KC Stadium.
The European showpiece with Barcelona follows next Wednesday and the United manager concedes he would be hesitant about selecting Ferdinand if he does not get a game under his belt.
"I am hoping he will be fit for Sunday, if not he is doubtful for Wednesday that is for sure," said Ferguson.
"I think he needs a game going into the Champions League final because him having not played for three weeks is too much.
"The plan is for him to start training with us tomorrow and once we get football training we will have a better idea of his availability for Sunday.
"I think he is probably fit to play Wednesday but whether I would start him without a game is another matter."
Jonny Evans has started alongside Nemanja Vidic in Ferdinand's absence and would be the obvious alternative for the Champions League final in Rome.
Ferguson added: "He has had a fantastic season. It would be a fitting tribute to our academy if both he and (former United and current Barcelona defender) Gerard Pique are playing. I wouldn't be bothered one bit about Evans playing in the final."
Ferguson also revealed utility man John O'Shea will start next week's final.
The Republic of Ireland international has filled in at right-back because of injuries to Wes Brown and Gary Neville and the United manager boss said he was keen to reward the 28-year-old's unstinting service.
"He can play anywhere for me: all along the back four, midfield - he's even played in goal for a short period - and because of injuries to Gary and Wes he's been a permanent fixture," said Ferguson.
"He takes his place in Rome because he deserves it, because he is ahead of everyone now.
"He is a fantastic, top professional."
Chelsea almost succeeded in containing Barcelona in the last four but Ferguson expects a much more open final.
He has promised that United will look to play in their usual, positive fashion and will not just try to defend.
"Every club has their own style. Barca have their style and we have our own way of playing. We hope to express ourselves the way we want to on Wednesday," he explained.
"The profile of the final is very good and I hope the final lives up to that. When you see the players Barcelona have got and the players Manchester United have got, it suggests a great final.
"European finals can be disappointing but I have a feeling it won't be that way next Wednesday."
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