Rio Ferdinand will not be returning to South Africa after having treatment on his injured knee, his club Manchester United confirmed on Thursday.

The England captain flew home after their opening 1-1 World Cup draw with the United States after a training ground collision with Emile Heskey in the build-up to the game.

The 31-year-old central defender has been assessed by United's medical staff and the injury seems to be improving.

"Rio has been assessed by club medical staff at Carrington this week and he is making good early progress from his knee injury," United said on their website.

"The medical staff have advised a two-week recuperation period with his family before returning to Carrington to complete the rehabilitation process."

Ferdinand, who had taken over as England captain following the demotion of John Terry over off-the-field issues, passed the skipper's armband to Steven Gerrard who led the team out against the US.

The rest of his teammates arrived in Cape Town on Thursday ahead of their must-win match against Algeria on Friday.

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