United's injury list is finally shortening, with Owen Hargreaves
and Patrice Evra set to face Middlesbrough, and Michael Carrick and
Louis Saha in contention for next weekend's trip to Arsenal.
Hargreaves's return is a major filip. He has been absent since the
win over Sunderland in September with tendonitis in his knee. Sir
Alex expects the 26-year-old to start against Boro, but conceded
that Hargreaves is unlikely to play the full match.
Owen is ready to play and he should start, the boss said on
Friday. "We did the right thing. We tried our best to get him
through without an injection, but he had it and is ready to play.
It's been a frustrating time for him, but it's a long season and if
he's back, and stays back, then that is terrific news."
Carrick, who fractured his elbow in the win over AS Roma at the
start of October, faces a scan on Monday to assess the progress he
has made. "If he gets the all-clear, then hell start training
with us and will be available for the Arsenal game," said the
boss.
Evra, who tweaked a calf muscle in the warm-up before United's 4-2
victory over Dynamo Kyiv, could also be available for the
Teessiders' visit, while Saha is on the road to recovery from a
knee injury and should be included in the squad that travels to the
Emirates Stadium next Saturday.
Reds skipper Neville is ready to make his long-awaited comeback, as
soon as he posts some much-needed playing time, possibly in a
Reserves match. "All Gary needs is an extra game," added the boss.
"Were trying to fix something in the next seven days. But he is
ready to play. Friday was his 16th training session in a row, which
is good."
