Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits they're managing Gary Neville's return carefully.
The United medical staff are monitoring his every move and regularly pull him out of training if an ache or pain flares up.
Ferguson said: "He's had a hard time in the last three years.
"He was out for nearly a year and a half and his recovery has always been broken up by small injuries. When a player gets into their 30s and they get injuries, it's very difficult for them.
"He survives because he's Gary Neville. He's got a great desire to carry on.
"His performance level has been quite good when he comes into the team. He's not lost his momentum of energy or rhythm.
"But we have to be careful. We don't take any chances with him.
"Fortunately for us he's not had any set-backs in the last few weeks."
