Rafael is only United doubt

Brazilian full-back Rafael looks like being Manchester United's only serious doubt ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old was forced off with a knee injury during last week's first leg, which ruled him out of Saturday's Premier League victory over Fulham.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson had stated the problem was merely bruising rather than ligament damage, a fact confirmed by his presence on a side pitch at United's Carrington training complex on Monday morning.

However, as the defender was restricted to running rather than ball work with the rest of the group, whether he will be included in Ferguson's side on Tuesday remains open to question, especially as both John O'Shea and Wes Brown are available to play at right-back.

With the exception of Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher, who has been laid low by a virus, the remainder of Ferguson's first-team squad were training.

That included Rio Ferdinand, who also missed Saturday's game after returning from a calf injury at Stamford Bridge, and Wayne Rooney who was suspended.

However, Rooney is available on Tuesday as United look to protect the one goal lead given to them by the England international last week and book a semi-final place almost certainly against German challengers Schalke.