Tom Cleverley close to a return, according to Sir Alex Ferguson

The fantastic young midfielder that is Tom Cleverley has been sidelined for about three months with an ankle injury. However on Friday Sir Alex Ferguson suggests he is 10 or so days from making a return to training, and even suggested a possible date he will return to first team action. The 11th of February. Liverpool's visit to Old Trafford. Now there is a game to return in.

From BBC Sport.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I am hopeful in 10 days' time he will be training then we can kick on.

"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."

The injury was originally not thought to be too severe and Cleverley was substituted as a precaution, however a scan revealed the full extent of the damage.

United host Liverpool on 11 February and Ferguson admitted the return of Cleverley for that game would be a huge lift for his side

Fergie went on to praise the midfielder for his fantastic displays in the early part of the season (Click the link for more) Cleverley obviously played a huge part in our early good season form, including the 8-2 win against Arsenal. (The return fixture being played on Sunday)

The return of Cleverly will not only add much needed options to our centre midfield, but energy, drive and fantastic passing ability. I personally would love to see how he plays with Paul Scholes. I think the creativity from those two is a mouthwatering prospect. One thing I would like to see from Cleverly before the season end is a goal or two. He is yet to get off the mark for the club.

I also do not want to see him rushed back. His current injury was sustained against Everton, a game where he was returning from injury. Hopefully we do not make the same mistake. Maybe a reserve game or two will help avoid this problem. Although there is nothing like a real game (Just ask Owen Hargreaves)