Ferdinand and Hargreaves set for Man United return by end of January

Published: 18 Dec 2009 - 12:55:31

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Ferdinand and Hargreaves set for Man United return by end of January

Manchester United could be set for a double dose of New Year cheer on the injury front, with both Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves ready to return by the end of next month. Ferdinand has not featured for United since being exposed by Fernando Torres at Anfield in October, while Hargreaves has now been missing for almost 15 months after undergoing career-saving knee operations to cure a tendinitis problem. While Ferdinand stated earlier this week that he was not in danger of missing the World Cup with a long-standing back complaint, Fabio Capello has stated that Hargreaves must make his comeback soon if he is to stand a chance of getting to South Africa. Battling back to fitness: Owen Hargreaves (left) and Rio Ferdinand The England coach will therefore be an interested observer to see whether Ferdinand and Hargreaves fulfil Sir Alex Ferguson's stated aims for a return to first-team duties. 'Rio is improving,' said Ferguson. 'He is much better now and not too far away, probably two or three weeks. 'And Owen is doing a bit better this week as well. He is getting there slowly and we hope he will be back by the end of January.' LIVE: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW - David Beckham set to face former club Manchester United with AC Milan, Chelsea to clash with ex-boss Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan and Arsenal draw PortoTHAT WAS THE SPORTING WEEK: The unsung heroes not honoured despite lighting up the Premier League since it started...Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic not bothered by demands of festive programmeWolves boss McCarthy rants: Fergie got away with it so why pick on me?MANCHESTER UNITED FC