Ferdinand back for Manchester United against Hull City

The 30-year-old has not featured since the defeat at Liverpool on October 25, since when he has been absent with a long-standing back complaint.

After initially showing little sign of progress, Ferdinand's condition has improved markedly over the last three weeks and Ferguson believes it is time the former West Ham star re-entered the fray.

Ferguson said: "Rio has been training very well in the last few weeks. He will play tomorrow."

In addition to missing three months' worth of domestic action, Ferdinand also sat out England's friendly with Brazil.

However, the player himself was always confident he would eventually return and Ferguson feels the moment is right.

"This is the time to bring him back," said the United boss.

"We have gone through the whole situation with him in terms of enough training and endurance work.

"It is a big boost because the defence has been the weakest part of our game this season.

"At various times we have lost Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar, John O'Shea.

"It has been a rough time, so to get them back can only be good for us."