Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Owen Reds injury woe continues
OWEN Hargreaves' injury nightmare looks set to continue after being omitted from United's squad for the second phase of the Champions League. The midfielder has been replaced by Ritchie de Laet in the 25-man squad, raising doubts about whether he will kick a ball again this season. It also makes it highly unlikely that he will be able to force his way into Fabio Capello's England squad for this summer's World Cup. Hargreaves has not played since September 2008 after undergoing career-saving operations on both knees to cure tendonitis. The surgery at the world famous Colorado-based Steadman-Hawkins Clinic was intended to cure a problem that has blighted his career since joining United from Bayern Munich in a £17m deal in 2007. Instead it has led to further frustration for the 29-year-old, who has been struggling with confidence as he bids to make his comeback. Sir Alex Ferguson had hoped Hargreaves would be available for United's clash with AC Milan next week, but has once again been left frustrated by the amount of time it is taking for the midfielder to return. Ferguson had originally expected him to be back in his plans by last November even naming him in his 25-man squad for the first phase of the Champions League, but has been forced to remain patient. He said then: Owen is alternating his training with the reserve and first-team squads, working for two days and then resting a day. It's a matter of him regaining his confidence and when he is able to train every day, that will be the moment for him to return to match play. Hargreaves has made only 25 starts for United and despite playing a key role in the Champions League victory in 2008, has only made three appearances since victory over Chelsea in Moscow.[LNB]
