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| Maradona has already had a positive effect on at least one team [EPA] |
Manchester United players were given a lift ahead of their English Premier League game against Arsenal when Diego Maradona visited them at their training ground.
The new Argentina coach is touring clubs in England to meet up with key players in his national squad.
Maradona spoke with striker Carlos Tevez but also made a big impact on the rest of Alex Ferguson's squad, including Rio Ferdinand - who received a signed shirt from the 1986 World Cup winner to mark his 30th birthday.
Schoolkids
"We were like schoolkids really, around a star coming to school," England defender Ferdinand said after the visit on Friday.
"He came and watched us train and I think the gaffer would probably like him to come every day the way he raised standards in the training. Everyone was trying to impress him.
"I hope he will go back to Argentina and say he's seen a great player – Rio Ferdinand!
"To be able to shake his hand, get a cuddle of him and a picture - it made my birthday."
Ferguson said Saturday's match was 'critical' to United's chances of retaining the title in a week in which the spotlight has fallen on Arsenal's faltering challenge.
Must-win
"I think it's critical for us. We've got to win our games," the Scot said.
"If you think that we are going to play at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow thinking it's going to be easy because Arsenal have got one or two players out you are wrong."
United have their own injury concerns with Wes Brown ruled out for a fortnight with an ankle injury and Darren Fletcher rated as 50-50 for Saturday's game because of a knee problem.
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| Silvestre is led from the pitch in the Champions League [GALLO/GETTY] |
Arsenal are already missing Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue and the suspended Robin van Persie, and the London club could also be without Theo Walcott, captain William Gallas and Bacary Sagna for the lunchtime kickoff.
Manager Arsene Wenger admitted that fielding Mikael Silvestre to face his former side may be a "gamble," after the 31-year-old Frenchman broke his nose against Fenerbahce on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia resumed training on Thursday after an illness forced him out of the Fenerbahce match.
Torres lined up
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez anticipates the return of striker Fernando Torres for Saturday's late afternoon kickoff at home against lowly West Bromwich Albion.
"I think Torres will be fit. It will be very good for the team to have him back," Benitez told the club's website on Friday.
"We are playing really well but we're not taking our chances."
Newcastle United captain Michael Owen came on briefly as a substitute against Aston Villa on Monday, and looks to have regained full fitness after a two-week absence with a groin injury. They visit Fulham on Sunday.
Blackburn Rovers, who host Chelsea the same day, are hopeful that Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz will return from a hamstring injury.
Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Nolan will be suspended for Saturday's trip to Hull City, having accumulated five yellow cards in the league so far this season.
Toffees lacking teeth
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| Yakubu could miss out on the trip to London to face West Ham [GALLO/GETTY] |
Meanwhile Everton could be without forwards Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Steven Pienaar for their visit to West Ham United.
Record signing Marouane Fellaini is suspended after picking up five yellows.
West Ham are hoping former Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker is available after a calf problem.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Giovani Dos Santos suffered a serious ankle injury in Monday's training session and is set for a lengthy spell out.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp will look for his third league win since taking charge last month against Manchester City on Sunday.
The other matches see Wigan take on Stoke and Sunderland host Portsmouth.
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