Owen Hargreaves is expected to make his comeback in Manchester United's game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday after convincing the medical team in charge of his rehabilitation that he is in a position to resume his career.

Chronic tendinitis problems mean Hargreaves has not started a match since 28 September but the 29-year-old is now back in England after two months of specialist work in the United States.

"Owen should play some part on Saturday," his surgeon, Richard Steadman, said. "Our physical therapist, Luke O'Brien, has been working very closely with United's coaches on his rehab. It's been a long road back and there have been some setbacks along the way.

"But I've got a lot of admiration for the way Owen has responded – he's worked very hard and has never given up. Things are looking good for him now."