England and Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand will not be returning to South Africa for the remainder of England's World Cup campaign.

Ferdinand, 31, was ruled out for six weeks after injuring his knee in a training ground accident on 4 June and flew back to Manchester last Sunday.

But although he said he might return to South Africa, his club want him to begin treatment after a short break.

"Rio is making good early progress from his knee injury," United said.

"Medical staff have advised a two-week recuperation period with his family before returning to Carrington [United's training ground] to complete the rehabilitation process."

The club will be anxious to get Ferdinand fit as soon as they can for the coming Premier League season, particularly as he missed large parts of last term with a back problem.

606: DEBATE The club say he is making good progress delisan

England's World Cup campaign was thrown into disarray when a challenge involving Emile Heskey led to Ferdinand injuring his knee ligaments at the end of England's first training session in Rustenburg.

Tottenham defender Michael Dawson was called in as the centre back's replacement and England have since suffered a further setback, with Ledley King injuring his groin during the opening game against the United States last Saturday.

King, who was replaced by Jamie Carragher during the 1-1 draw, has been ruled out for three weeks, leaving coach Fabio Capello with limited options ahead of their upcoming Group C games against Algeria and Slovenia.

Ferdinand stayed with the England team after he injured his knee and was present for their first group game before returning to the UK, where he was assessed by Manchester United medical staff.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard was handed the England captain's armband in Ferdinand's absence with Frank Lampard made vice-captain.

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