Source: Telegraph
Owen Hargreaves is still a worry as Rio Ferdinand returns for Manchester United
Ferdinand, sidelined since Manchester United's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Oct 25, has been in full training for almost a month following a lengthy and delicate rehabilitation programme to resolve his long-term back problem. [LNB]But while the 31-year-old's return will be welcomed by Sir Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello in equal measure, Ferguson's admission that midfielder Owen Hargreaves remains some distance from a return, after 16 months out, has placed his prospects of World Cup participation in increasing doubt. [LNB]Ferdinand's return to full fitness is likely to bolster United's troubled back four and Ferguson admits that his availability is a major fillip as his team prepare for a crucial week that sees them face Manchester City in the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday prior to next Sunday's Premier League trip to Arsenal. [LNB]Ferguson said: 'I think Rio will play against Hull, which is good news for us. He's been training very well the last three weeks and this is the time to bring him back. We've gone through the whole situation with him in terms of training and endurance work. He has done very well, so it's time to bring him back. [LNB]In contrast to Ferdinand's positive bulletin, England midfielder Hargreaves continues to be frustrated in his attempts to return. [LNB]The 29-year-old has undergone double-knee surgery since his last appearance, against Chelsea in Sept 2008, and he is not expected to challenge for a first-team comeback until March. And with United due to name their Champions League squad for the knockout stages by the end of the month, Ferguson admits he must make a decision on Hargreaves. [LNB]Ferguson, who is considering resting Wayne Rooney against Hull, said: 'Owen is still training with the reserves, doing two days on and one day off to try to get to the proper levels. He's done two or three sessions with the first team in the past couple of weeks and he did very well over in Qatar [at United's training camp], but we are trying to get to the point where he feels confident about playing. [LNB]'He will probably be in my Champions League squad. Unless something untoward happens, I'll be picking him.'[LNB]
