The 29-year-old Manchester United star is on the verge of making
his first start for the club in two years.
He has twice been close to returning in that time only to be hit
by major setbacks.
And if this latest comeback does not work, he will retire.
Alex Ferguson is full of admiration for the England midfielder's
determination to return.
And the United boss has been so impressed with him in training
he wants Hargreaves to start in the Carling Cup clash with Wolves
on October 26.
But a pal of Hargreaves revealed: "Owen has done everything to
come back but the pain and effort has been huge.
"He has decided to give it one last big push but if this doesn't
work that will probably be it.
"The pain in his knees has not just affected his football, but
normal life."
Hargreaves has battled with tendinitis and managed just 25
starts for United since a £17million move from Bayern Munich in
summer 2007.
He had surgery on his right knee in November 2008 - and his left
knee three months later.
He looked to be on the road back when he made a two-minute
appearance as sub at Sunderland in United's penultimate game of
last season.
But more problems in training last summer saw him back on the
treatment table.
