Rio Ferdinand has played down worries over his long-term fitness, with the Manchester United (16/1 to win Premier League, Champions League and Carling Cup treble) defender insisting his latest lay-off has just been a “precaution”.

The England international was forced to miss the Carling Cup final last weekend and also his country’s friendly win over Egypt with a back problem.

But Ferdinand is expected to return to the United squad (1/3 with Betfred to win at Molineux) for Saturday’s trip to Wolves (10/1) and is adamant that his latest injury is nothing to be concerned about.

The 31-year-old said: “This latest problem has only been a minor setback. It’s just been precautionary, me not playing, to make sure it doesn’t get any worse.”

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