Manchester United's buoyant mood improved further on
Wednesday with confirmation that their lengthy injury list is
shrinking rapidly.
Central defender Rio Ferdinand returned at West Bromwich Albion
on Tuesday after a back injury to help the champions move three
points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 5-0
victory.
Midfielder Park Ji-sung and defender Wes Brown also played at
the Hawthorns and manager Alex Ferguson hopes to have further
reinforcements for Saturday's match against Everton with left back
Patrice Evra and midfielder Nani expected to be fit.
"Things are looking up and players are starting to come back,"
Ferguson told MUTV.
"Patrice may have a chance for Saturday against Everton. If the
game had still been on Monday I'd say he'll definitely play. But
he's still got a chance of making it. Nani should also be fit for
Saturday as well."
Striker Wayne Rooney is still recovering from a hamstring and
Jonny Evans, Rafael, Fabio and Anderson are also sidelined.
"Wayne has never had a hamstring injury before and there is no
way we will bring him back early," Ferguson said.
"He's doing terrific work in the gym and, in terms of his
rehabilitation, he is on the mend. But we said at the time he was
injured that it would be three or four weeks before he would be fit
and there is no change there."
United's home clash with Everton was brought forward to Saturday
because the visitors are involved in an FA Cup replay against
Liverpool next week.