Rio ready for Barcelona

The England defender has been out of action since the second leg of the semi-final against Arsenal earlier this month.

“I’ve not thought about not playing in the final,” said Ferdinand. “It’s as simple as that, no chance.

“I trained with the ball today [Wednesday] and did some running, so I’m doing all the movements I need to be doing before a game.

“This has been perhaps the hardest and most important injury battle of my career. There is so much at stake.

“I haven’t even thought much about the actual details of the final.

“I’ve been so engrossed in my injury that I haven’t thought about much else. I’ll start thinking about the actual match when I’m sitting on the plane to Rome.”

Ferdinand could even be fit for the Premier League clash with Hull at the KC Stadium on Sunday.

He added: “You’ll have to ask the manager if I’m playing, but physically I’d be able to do it, no problem.”