Hargreaves ready for United comeback

Owen Hargreaves is ready to make his long-awaited comeback for Manchester United against West Brom this weekend.

The England midfielder has not started a match since September 2008 because of a chronic knee problem, which has required multiple bouts of surgery.

Hargreaves had been earmarked for a return to action at the beginning of the season but suffered a setback in the summer.

He has been jetting back and forth to the US to work with renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman, who has helped the likes of Michael Owen, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robert Pires overcome career-threatening injuries.

Steadman said: “Owen should play some part on Saturday. Our physical therapist, Luke O'Brien, has been working very closely with United's coaches on his rehab.”

Hargreave's last appearance for United was a three-minute cameo at the end of their match against Sunderland last May.

A succession of injuries have meant he has been restricted to just 38 appearances for the Old Trafford side since his move from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2007.

Steadman added: “It's been a long road back and there have been some setbacks along the way.

“But I've got a lot of admiration for the way Owen has responded - he's worked very hard and has never given up. Things are looking good for him now.”