Sir Alex Ferguson expects to have a full squad by the end of March after revealing Mikael Silvestre is a week away from resuming full training.

Ferguson was able to give a positive outlook on the recovery plights of Gary Neville, Ben Foster and Silvestre, as United appear to be developing strength going into the title run-in.

Silvestre has been a long-term absentee this season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but Ferguson revealed the France international is almost ready to return.

"Gary (Neville) trained yesterday and today, he's on the right way, and also Mikael Silvestre's on the right way," explained the United boss.

"He'll now be joining us probably at the end of next week for full training, and hopefully by the end of March we'll have a full squad."