Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is confident Owen Hargreaves can make a playing return.
The midfielder was omitted from Alex Ferguson's Champions League squad as he continues his battle to overcome persistent knee problems.
But Ferdinand is confident Hargreaves will return to the starting XI this season.
He told The Sun: "I spoke to him a little while ago and he seems in really good spirits.
"He's not set a date for when he's coming back but he said he's doing really well."
