Ferdinand injured in freak accident

Ferdinand has played eight games for Leeds

Leeds United's Rio Ferdinand, the world's most expensive defender, is out of action - after injuring himself at home.

He missed Leeds' defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday and is also set to sit out Wednesday's Premier League match against Aston Villa.

Leeds manager David O'Leary explained that Ferdinand had strained a leg when he rested it on a coffee table.

It wasn't even on the training ground

  David O'Leary on Ferdinand

O'Leary said: "It was a freak accident, and typical of this season.

"It wasn't even on the training ground, he was watching television and had his foot up on the coffee table.

"He had it there in a certain position for a number of hours ... and strained a tendon behind his knee."

Ferdinand, who joined Leeds for a record £18m in November, has played eight times for his new club since the move.