Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect Rio Ferdinand to be fit for England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales on 26 March.
The 32-year-old defender is sidelined with a calf injury picked up ahead of United's loss at Wolves on 5 February.
"Rio has been doing a bit of running. He will be ready for the game after the internationals," said Ferguson.
"I wouldn't have thought he would have a chance before that. I don't think it would be wise for him to be called up."
England skipper Ferdinand's expected absence for the game against Wales at the Millennium Stadium is set to reopen the debate of who should take over the captaincy.