Sir Alex Ferguson will have the rare luxury of a fully fit back four for the trip to Birmingham on Saturday, although the United boss must do without Nemanja Vidic for up to ten days.
The Serbian visited a specialist on Wednesday for a full diagnosis of the nerve problem down the side of his right leg which ruled him out of the FA Cup third round defeat to Leeds. However, the injury isn't considered serious and Vidic could return for the Carling Cup semi-final, first leg tie with Manchester City at Eastlands on Tuesday 19 January.
“During the warm-up against Leeds, he felt a problem in the nerve,” explained Sir Alex. “It’s something which has been a recent problem for him and he just didn’t feel confident enough to play. I understand that because it’s painful. We sent him to a specialist to get the problem diagnosed and we know what exercises he needs to do now. It’s not a long-term issue and we can control it.”
On Saturday the Reds will still be without first-choice men Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar, who remains in Holland. But Jonny Evans and Wes Brown are both fit and will occupy the two centre-back positions at St. Andrew's against Alex McLeish’s in-form side.
The centre-half situation looks a lot healthier than in recent weeks, however, and it could be significantly bolstered in the next fortnight with Vidic’s impending return and news that Ferdinand is possibly only two weeks away from resuming duties for the first time since defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on 25 October.
Another player making a significant strides towards full recovery is Owen Hargreaves. The midfielder, who has been out for 16 months following double knee surgery, has started training with the Reserves.