The Cougar will return in 4 weeks!

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Hargreaves nearing comeback

By Soccernet staff

September 25, 2009


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects Owen Hargreaves to make his comeback from his year-long injury nightmare in another four weeks.



The England international opted to undergo operations on both knees, under the guidance of renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman, in an effort to solve the ongoing tendinitis problems that have kept him sidelined.

The former Bayern Munich midfielder was recovering in the USA but returned to United's Carrington training complex earlier this week to take the next major step in his rehabilitation.

Hargreaves has not done any ball work yet and Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect him to for a short while as the United medical staff complete a handover that will take the 28-year-old back into their care.

But the United boss is optimistic that, if all goes to plan, Hargreaves could be back in a United shirt at some point next month.

"I feel it will still take us four weeks to get him into the rhythm of training again and get to the point of match play," said Ferguson. "Normally, when a player has been out for that length of time he is helped by the fact he is doing his rehabilitation with other players.

"Because he did it on his own in the USA, under the guidance of Dr Richard Steadman, it is not easy. But he has the determination and resilience to see it through. He is now back with us and hopefully the boy gets a break and continues his progress without any further mishaps."

As this kind of operation is still quite rare, there must be some doubt over Hargreaves' chances of making a full recovery, or getting back to the level that saw him win 42 caps for England, the last of which came against the USA in May last year.

But Ferguson takes comfort from the growing number of players that have come back from formerly career-threatening cruciate knee ligament surgery, the latest being Chelsea's Joe Cole.

"We don't see the fact he has been out a year as a handicap," said Ferguson. "Other players have been out a similar length of time. When Joe Cole came back on Wednesday you forget he was missing for nine months. It is achievable, particularly when they are young.

"He is not kicking a ball yet. The physio who attended to him over there will stay here for a week for the changeover. He and our physios are discussing exactly at what stage he is at but he should be into football training quite soon."

We're going to have to 'manage' him, like spurs do with King.

Originally Posted by Sparky***

We're going to have to 'manage' him, like spurs do with King.

What me and you? I've heard nowt?

I'll believe it when I see it.

Originally Posted by antonin jablonsky

What me and you? I've heard nowt?

Great news.

BUT do we really need him and Fletch in the same side?
There wouldn't be much creativity if you ask me, and at the minute you just can't drop Daz.

Originally Posted by BryanRobson'sLiver

I'll believe it when I see it.

I look forwarrd to that day.

He could beat jagielka back.

Originally Posted by HolyMackrelDoodleBonkon

Great news.

BUT do we really need him and Fletch in the same side?
There wouldn't be much creativity if you ask me, and at the minute you just can't drop Daz.

i think hargreaves is much more creative than people give him credit for, hes played on the right wing a couple of times and done well.

Originally Posted by HolyMackrelDoodleBonkon

Great news.

BUT do we really need him and Fletch in the same side?
There wouldn't be much creativity if you ask me, and at the minute you just can't drop Daz.

I don't think you're giving Fletch or Hargreaves any credit there

Originally Posted by Sloane

i think hargreaves is much more creative than people give him credit for, hes played on the right wing a couple of times and done well.

I'm not so sure mate, allthough he did have a great game on the right in Moscow.

Originally Posted by HolyMackrelDoodleBonkon

I'm not so sure mate, allthough he did have a great game on the right in Moscow.

roma at home he did alrite in as wel, think he assisted for the goal

I think him and fletcher together would give us the opportunity to play 2 up front more often in big games which I think can only be a good thing.

If he isn't kicking a ball yet, 4 weeks seems a touch optimistic, doesn't it?

What if his new knees are shit at football?

will be like a new signing.

great news??? - hasnt kicked a ball yet - might be - expect - hopefully

Want to believe it but feel an insurance claim coming over the horizon and headlines like Hargo gives up the fight etc

Originally Posted by Sloane

roma at home he did alrite in as wel, think he assisted for the goal

True, great cross for @#%&! neck. I'm sure Fergies got a plan in mind.

Fergie>Me

He was at OT on Wednesday. First time some of the senior players had seen him in a while.

Know the feeling.

Originally Posted by TripDownMiseryLane

great news??? - hasnt kicked a ball yet - might be - expect - hopefully

Want to believe it but feel an insurance claim coming over the horizon and headlines like Hargo gives up the fight etc

Well that's gloomy.

Originally Posted by antonin jablonsky

I look forwarrd to that day.

He could beat jagielka back.

He could indeed. Then he just has to beat him for value for money, although we might have to wait a while for that to happen.

Originally Posted by Whalefish

He was at OT on Wednesday. First time some of the senior players had seen him in a while.

Know the feeling.

was he mistaken for the Da Silva's Dad?