Rio Ferdinand shares hospital bed photo as Man Utd legend explains missing PSG vs Arsenal

Rio Ferdinand has confirmed that he won't be covering Arsenal's semi-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain for after being admitted to hospital. The legend, who'll also miss his former club's clash with on Thursday, announced his absence alongside a selfie from his hospital bed.

Ferdinand, 46, posted on social media platform X: "Gutted to be missing the Semi-Finals this week on @footballontnt!! Wishing the team all the best - I'll be watching every minute from the iPad!"

are in Paris for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, trailing 1-0 on aggregate after at the Emirates last week. United, meanwhile, resume their tie with Bilbao boasting a 3-0 advantage, having in the first leg.

Ferdinand is a staple of TNT's football coverage but won't be at the Parc des Princes nor Old Trafford. The broadcaster has the TV rights to both matches as well as the games involving and on Thursday.

Fans wished him the best, with TNT's X account saying: "Get well soon, Rio." Another said: "Wishing you a speedy recovery." A third followed-up with: "Get well soon and don't worry. The champions league final will be between PSG vs . I know you'll be there in Munich."

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Inter Milan are the opponents awaiting either PSG or Arsenal after overcoming on Tuesday in extra-time. With the scoreline in their favour and home advantage, the Parisians are the favourites to go through.

Previewing the second leg on , Ferdinand said: "If there is a team who can go to PSG and win, it's Arsenal. I don't think it's about ability at this stage, I think it's about mentality and belief.

"In they've got a matchwinner who can turn the game on its head. There's positives there but if the mindset isn't right, they will get smoked, I'm telling you. The problem for Arsenal is PSG are a proper team, I don't think they're invincible but they've been the best team in the Champions League."

Who'll reach the final - Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain? Give us your score prediction in the .

The defender, speaking before Barcelona were eliminated after an all-time classic semi-final, added: "If you're a football purist, you want the two most attacking and free teams in the final. PSG and Barcelona are the two most attacking and free teams in terms of letting their attacking players just go.

"I think that would make for an unbelievable spectacle and throw us into a different cycle where managers attack more. and could be the managers to follow in terms of their philosophy instead of who has been great at it in a great era."

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