Valencia On Course

Antonio Valencia is making good progress in his rehabilitation from a fractured ankle and damaged ligaments and could be back in training in 5-6 weeks, with a return to action as early as the end of February.

The 25-year-old winger sustained his injury after an innocuous-looking challenge from Rangers’ Kirk Broadfoot in the Champions League back in September.

It was initially feared that the Ecuadorian international, who was so good for the Reds in his debut season after joining from Wigan, might miss the entire season. But that prognosis was re-evaluated after surgery and he looks to be on target to complete his recovery in just over five months.

“Antonio is making progress exactly as we thought he would,” Sir Alex revealed. “It’s always difficult when you’re talking about long-term injuries because you can be weeks out either way. But we’re certainly looking at the end of February or beginning of March.

"He should be back in training in five or six weeks. But given the extended period of time he’s been out, we’ll give him time to get back into the full flow of things.”