/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/3599655/120565179.jpg)
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic returned from his injury lay-off on Tuesday to play for Serbia in their 1-0 defeat to Slovenia in a Euro 2012 qualifier. The center-back went the full 90 minutes in a match that resulted in his country's failure to qualify for a play-off into next summer's finals in Poland/Ukraine. During the match, Vida missed a crucial penalty in the 64th minute (why Serbia did not have someone else take the penalty is beyond my knowledge). Reports are now suggesting that the 29-year-old will retire from the Serbian national team so that he can focus on his club duties. United's Park Ji-sung recently made a similar decision to retire from the South Korean national team.
Vidic's return raises the question as to whether or not he will feature versus Liverpool FC during this Saturday's upcoming clash at Anfield. All indications are that he came through the qualifier on Tuesday without further injury and the only questions that remain would be his fitness and manager Sir Alex Ferguson's selection choice.
Vidic injured his calf in the season opener during a 2-1 away victory against West Bromwich Albion in August. During the time he has missed, United have only conceded four goals in the following six league match despite dealing with a plethora of injuries in defense. This has provided opportunity for youngsters such as Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling to thrive during their increased playing time -- the latter two impressed enough to make their England debuts in recent weeks. As of late though, United have struggled in defense. A healthy Vida would be a welcome addition to a United side that right away faces difficult derby matches versus Liverpool and Manchester City in league play with a crucial midweek UEFA Champions League group-stage away tie to Otelul Galati sandwiched in between.
Assuming that Vida is available for selection, who would you like to see Fergie select for his back four at Anfield?