United defender Vidic hoping to return before end of the season - Daily Mail
By Ian Ladyman
Last updated at 1:00 PM on 18th February 2012
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury and could even be ready to play by the end of the season.
Vidic had surgery on his right cruciate ligament after suffering the injury in United's Champions League defeat at Basle in early December, and it was originally feared he could be out for as long as 12 months.
On the sidelines: Vidic arriving at Old Trafford last weekend for United's clash with Liverpool
However, Sportsmail understands the former Serbia centre half is making rapid progress as he works on his fitness and is putting significant weight back on his knee during his rehabilitation sessions.
Vidic has been aiming to be fit by the time United head to Asia on a pre-season tour in July and that remains the target set by United's medical staff.
However, there is now an outside chance that the 30-year-old could be ready to play before the end of the season.
Injury blow: United feared Nemanja Vidic would miss the rest of season
Speaking last month, Vidic said: 'Everything is going well. It's progressing in the right way. I have the motivation to work hard and I want to be back as soon as possible.'
Vidic suffered the injury on a night to forget for United, where they crashed out of the Champions League.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said afterwards: 'It is bad news. He will be a loss.
'I thought [the injury] was a bad one when I saw it.'
Key man: Vidic celebrates after scoring a crucial goal against Chelsea at the end of last season
Ferguson and his medical staff will be mindful of rushing the player back too early. United supporters will likely recall Vidic being brought back from injury when clearly not being fully fit for a Champions League semi-final clash with AC Milan in 2007.
If he is to return for the season's final weeks, the defender could possibly feature in a Manchester derby showdown with City on April 28.
The defensive crisis has been so serious at Old Trafford this season, with Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones also having spells on the sidelines, that midfielder Michael Carrick has had to play at the back.
Good news for him? Sir Alex Ferguson would welcome Vidic making a return to action
Since joining the Reds in 2006, Vidic has become one of the most important players at the club.
He has helped United to win four league titles, and the European Cup in 2008.
18 Feb, 2012
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