The fitness of two key defenders - one for each side - was a big talking point after United and Chelsea went through separate training sessions on Tuesday.

Nemanja Vidic missed United's work-out at the Luzhniki Stadium on Tuesday, but Sir Alex Ferguson said in his press conference, "Nemanja is on a different training programme to the rest of the squad, but he will definitely play."

The news comes as a major relief considering the robust central defender is a key component in United's defence alongside Rio Ferdinand.

Ashley Cole started Chelsea's training session but didn't complete it after he was on the receiving end of a two-footed challenge from team-mate Claude Makelele. The left-back seemed to be in some discomfort as he received treatment from the physios, and he could be a doubt as Avram Grant considers his starting XI to face United.

Vidic wasn't the only United player absent as the other 22 players were put through their paces on the pitch in Moscow, as Louis Saha was also not involved. However, Sir Alex did not indicate why the French forward did not train.