Manchester United are growing increasingly concerned over Owen Hargreaves' continued absence through injury, Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed.
Manager Ferguson confirmed Hargreaves has returned to Munich for further treatment on the hamstring injury he picked up against Wolves in November which has ruled him out for another lengthy stint.
The defensive midfielder was making his first start in over two years following surgery on both knees to cure a serious tendinitis problem.
And Ferguson says he worries whether the 29-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will be able to make a successful return to action.
"We are all concerned," said Ferguson.
"He has not played for over two years so we would have to be super-optimistic to think everything in the garden was rosy about him making comebacks.
"What we are trying to do is help the lad. That in itself is our biggest challenge. We want to help the lad try to get back to a level where he can still play football."
Ready
Ferguson is adamant Hargreaves was ready to make his return when he ran out earlier this season, despite having played no warm-up games beforehand.
"This hamstring injury is a real kick in the teeth," said Ferguson. "He was doing so well in training before the Wolves game. He was absolutely superb.
"There were no qualms whatsoever about putting him in, even though he had only trained for nine days.
"We were confident enough to play him but unfortunately it has proved to be a disappointment for us.
"If he had realised early enough and come off before he had done any more damage, it could have been three to four weeks. But is a complete tear."
Ferguson has refused to entertain suggestions that former Bayern Munich star Hargreaves could decide to quit the game altogether, adding: "He has to fight it. There is no other way."
