Antonio Valencia likely to return to action in March
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Manchester United boosted by Antonio Valencia's return to training
Horror: Antonio Valencia has missed five months of the season after breaking his ankle during a Champions League match
Manchester United's title hopes have been handed a boost with the return to the training field of winger Antonio Valencia.
The Ecuadorian has been sidelined for more than five months after suffering a serious injury in a Champions League clash with Rangers.
The broken ankle and ligament damage bought to an end an outstanding year for Valencia following his £17million move from Wigan in 2009.
And with Sir Alex Ferguson now facing up to a month without Ji-sung Park, who was ruled out for up to a month, the step up in rehabilitation of one of his most dangerous wide man is welcome news.
'The good news is that Valencia started training with the Reserves on Saturday,' said the United boss. 'So he’s on his way back and that will be a real boost to have him available for the run-in.'
Back in the groove: Valencia is likely to return to action in March
There a suggestion in January that Valencia might return to action between United's two-legged Champions League clash with Marseille at the end of the month.
'He has started his running programme and is with the physios every day, which is a big step forward,' Ferguson said almost four weeks ahgo. 'Possibly he should be back in the first-team squad towards the end of February.
However the club's official website today claimed sometime in March would be much more realistic.