Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that three of his injured players could return for the trip to Anfield to play against Liverpool in two weeks is a possibility if they are “up to speed” where fitness is concerned.
The Old Trafford club have been somewhat unlucky with regards to injuries during the early part of the season although this has not shown where results are concerned with the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans doing the job in the absence of Nemanja Vidic and to some extent Rio Ferdinand.
The two week break will see many Manchester United players depart for international duty however those still on the treatment table will endure fitness tests to bring them back up to speed for the Premiership campaign.
Sir Alex Ferguson admits it will be a boost to have Vidic and Cleverley back in the squad but states they will only be brought back in for the Liverpool game if they can prove their fitness and sharpness ahead of the fixture.
Talking to MUTV Ferguson said:
“The most important thing is the work they do before the internationals finish, we really want to have Vidic and Cleverley doing some really strong work, and Smalling too, that would bring them on to a level that they could play at Anfield. You can’t go there with players who are semi-fit or just coming back from injury.”
The Manchester United manager added:
“You need players who are fully focused and up to speed in terms of fitness and sharpness.”
Vidic has been out since pre-season whilst Tom Cleverley was injured after a poorly timed tackle by Bolton Wanderer’s Kevin Davies three weeks ago in their Premiership clash at the Reebok.