Park Close To Return

Reds midfielder Ji-sung Park could be back in action by the end of December as he continues his excellent rehabilitation work.

The 26-year-old Korean star has spent eight months on the sidelines with a cruciate knee ligament injury, which he sustained in United’s 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in March.

He completed the full 90 minutes but was later sent to renowned knee specialist, Dr Richard Steadman, for surgery in America.

It has been a long and arduous road to recovery. Although he is not yet in full training and remains under medical supervision, Ji has occasionally taken part in first-team exercises in recent weeks.

Park joined the rest of Sir Alex's squad on Friday and the Reds boss says the livewire winger is edging ever closer to a return.

“Ji is back training and he will almost definitely be playing by the end of December. He is doing really well,” said the boss.

“He may have to wait until the beginning of next year, but he is certainly on the way back. He’s doing good training.”

There was further good news for United as Park’s fellow long-term absentees, Mikael Silvestre and Ben Foster, are also recovering well from serious knee injuries.

“Mikael Silvestre, as we predicted, could be back in March,” added Sir Alex. “And Ben Foster is also doing some good work. We expect him to be available in February, or maybe March.”