Tom Cleverley could be back in time for the Manchester United clash with Liverpool next month after being told that he was close to being back to full fitness.
The United midfielder picked up an ankle injury in October and has been sidelined ever since, but Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that the player is close to making a return.
"I am hopeful in 10 days' time he will be training then we can kick on," Ferguson told the BBC. "When he plays depends how he does in training. His fitness levels should be fine, so he could cope right away. If he can, you are talking about a week."
There is a feeling among supporters that the 22-year-old has been missed after making a superb start to the season as a number of players have tried to fill the void.
Ferguson is hopeful that Cleverley can make his return on February 11 when Liverpool travel to Old Trafford.
"It would be a great boost to us," continued Ferguson. "The way that Tom started the season was absolutely phenomenal.
"I have not seen a young player have that impact at our club for a long time. He has been a loss because he has something different from everyone else."
