Chris Smalling to return to action next week

Sir Alex Ferguson has quashed reports that Chris Smalling is suffering from glandular fever and has revealed that the Manchester United defender could return to the side against Newcastle United next week.

Reports claimed that the 22-year-old could face up to three months on the sidelines with glandular fever, which kept him out of the Red Devils' 5-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day.

"I have seen the reports," said Ferguson. "They are well wide of the mark. He has tonsillitis."

Phil Jones and Rio Ferdinand are expected to return to the side when the Premier League champions face Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.