Manchester United boosted by Antonio Valencia's return to training

15 February 2011 12:03
Manchester United's title hopes have been handed a boost with the return to the training field of winger Antonio Valencia. [LNB]The Ecuadorian has been sidelined for more than five months after suffering a serious injury in a Champions League clash with Rangers.[LNB]The broken ankle and ligament damage bought to an end an outstanding year for Valencia following his ?17million move from Wigan in 2009.[LNB] Horror: Antonio Valencia has missed five months of the season after breaking his ankle during a Champions League match[LNB]And with Sir Alex Ferguson now facing up to a month without Ji-sung Park, who was ruled out for up to a month, the step up in rehabilitation of one of his most dangerous wide man is welcome news. [LNB]'The good news is that Valencia started training with the Reserves on Saturday,' said the United boss. 'So he's on his way back and that will be a real boost to have him available for the run-in.' [LNB] Back in the groove: Valencia is likely to return to action in March[LNB]There a suggestion in January that Valencia might return to action between United's two-legged Champions League clash with Marseille at the end of the month.[LNB]'He has started his running programme and is with the physios every day, which is a big step forward,' Ferguson said almost four weeks ahgo. 'Possibly he should be back in the first-team squad towards the end of February.[LNB]However the club's official website today claimed sometime in March would be much more realistic.[LNB] Crawley fan arrested and banned over sick Munich crash jibe at Man United Off the Park! Ji-sung ruled out for four weeks with hamstring injuryEngland veteran Beckham stunned as judge dismisses 'cheat' libel claimsAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Antonio Valencia

Source: Daily_Mail