Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has lost his battle with a back problem and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Ferdinand will sit out Sunday's Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge and Red Devils team-mate Wes Brown admitted that the 30-year-old has tried to play through the pain for months.
Brown said: "He's been getting a lot of pain for a long time so he's sorting it out now."
The England international has come under fire recently for numerous poor performances.
Brown added: "When he comes back he'll be a lot stronger.
"If you're not fit and want to play it's very hard. Believe me."
Ferdinand ruled out for six weeks | ESPNSTAR.com 
Ferdinand ruled out for six weeks 
Yes, Chelsea would be having an upperhand 
