Manchester United FC

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Van der Sar makes United return

12 Jan 2010 - 08:09:31

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Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has returned to training for the first time since his wife was taken ill in December.

The 39-year-old Dutchman was placed on indefinite compassionate leave by the Red Devils after his wife suffered a brain haemorrhage.

Van der Sar has not made a first-team appearance since picking up a knee injury during United's 3-0 Premier League win over Everton on November 21.

The veteran keeper made his return to training during United's current four-day training camp in Qatar.

Meanwhile, midfielder Paul Scholes has welcomed the champions' mid-season trip to the Middle East to escape the big freeze.

"Players are so fit these days, in that sense having a couple of days off doesn't do you much harm," he said.

"But you do have a routine. You tend to train hard on a Monday and Tuesday, then maybe have a rest day.

"When the weather has been the way it has, there is not a lot you can do at all. Last week it was just an hour on Thursday and another on Friday.

"You just hope when the games come round you are ready for them."