Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will miss Sunday's League Cup final against Aston Villa due to a back injury.

Ferdinand's injury stopped him taking part in United's 3-0 league win over West Ham at Old Trafford on Tuesday and boss Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the England captain won't be fit in time for this weekend's match at Wembley.

"He felt a twinge in his back this morning (Tuesday) when we did a warm-up at (United's training ground) Carrington. We can't take any chances. He won't be playing on Sunday," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

The former Leeds star has played just three times in 2010 as a result of injury and suspension.

Ferdinand's injury also casts doubt over his ability to play in England's friendly against Egypt at Wembley on March 3, which was due to be his first international outing since replacing John Terry as England captain.