Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has missed nearly two years with knee problems but boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he expects the former Bayern Munich man to push for a starting spot soon (Manchester United 5/2 to win the Premier League).
Hargreaves has been suffering with chronic tendinitis in both knees and there were fears he may be forced to hang up his boots.
However, the 29-year-old has now returned to training after seeing renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman and Ferguson has revealed the midfielder could be back in the near future.
“Owen Hargreaves has come back training, he trained with the first team,” Ferguson told MUTV.
“He looked very good. I was surprised how good he was looking. It’s an extra string to our bow.
“Bringing him in at this time, after being out for so long, obviously we’ll have to monitor him and see how he’s going to progress in the next few weeks.”
Hargreaves made a brief return to action towards the end of last season only for his problem to flare up again and Ferguson admits he is wary of sending him back into competitive football too early.
He added: “He’s been out for so long you have to see whether there’s going to be a relapse.
“That’s the first thing on our mind at the moment but having watched him in training, if he continues that way he’s going to give me another selection problem, no question about that.”
United take on Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday at high noon. Hargreaves will play no part against the Wanderers as he is still lacking match fitness.
However, Rio Ferdinand is expected to be handed his first league start of the season after a lengthy lay-off stretching back to before the World Cup (Bolton 13/2, draw 16/5, United 4/9).
Bolton will be without defender Gary Cahill, who will serve the final match of his suspension following a questionable red card at Arsenal, but goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is available again after serving his own suspension.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.
Owen Hargreaves will miss the start of Manchester United’s bid to wrestle the Premier League title (United 12/5 – Premier League Outright) back from Chelsea next season after suffering an injury setback.