Manchester United captain Vidic returns to full training
The Serbian defender, who has been out of action since December with
a knee injury, took full part in training on Tuesday and is closing in
on a first-team comeback
EXCLUSIVE
By Greg Stobart
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has stepped up his comeback from injury by taking part in full training on Tuesday.
The central defender has been sidelined since
suffering a serious cruciate knee ligament injury during the Champions
League clash against Basel in December.
Vidic took full part in
his intensity work and contact training at United’s Carrington training
base on Tuesday having previously been limited to running and building
physical fitness.
The Red Devils will assess the 30-year-old's
progress over the next week before establishing whether he will be fit
to return to action for the club's Premier League opener against Everton
on August 20.
Vidic is in the final stages of his recovery
although manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen not to rush him back, with
the Serbian not yet pencilled in to feature in any pre-season matches.
United
are, however, hopeful are taking Vidic on their Scandinavian tour - on
which they play Valerenga and Barcelona - to improve his sharpness and
give him some much-needed minutes on the pitch.
Sir Alex will
refuse to take any risks with his captain and is mindful that a setback
would delay his return, with a comeback for the start of the coming
season described by sources as a "long shot".
Vidic has become
one of United’s most important players since moving to Old Trafford from
Spartak Moscow for £7 million in 2006, winning four Premier League
titles as well as the Champions League in 2008.
Source : Goal.com