Manchester United [ Images ] defender Rio Ferdinand [ Images ] will miss the Premier League champions' opening Champions League [ Images ] Group C match against Benfica [ Images ] in Lisbon on Wednesday, the club said on Tuesday.

A statement on the club's website said Ferdinand was not part of the 19-man squad who flew from Manchester airport on Wednesday morning.

Ferdinand missed matches against Tottenham Hotspur [ Images ] and Arsenal [ Images ] because of a hamstring injury but played against Bolton Wanderers three days ago.

"Ferdinand's regular centre-back partner Nemanja Vidic [ Images ] will also miss the trip (calf), as expected, along with Tom Cleverley (foot), Danny Welbeck (hamstring) and Rafael (shoulder)," the statement said.