Manchester United hope to have Roy Keane back for the New Year action that could be decisive in the Premiership battle.
Manager Alex Ferguson said today the former Ireland captain was pencilled in to make his long-awaited comeback for the reserves on Thursday after recovering from a hip operation.
Keane, who is back in full training, could have a run-out against Newcastle's second string.
"Roy may possibly play in the reserves on Thursday," said the Old Trafford boss ahead of tonight's League Cup tie against Chelsea. "If he does, that's a great start for him. We then know we can have him in the New Year programm".
England captain David Beckham has also shrugged off his fitness worries and is due to start tonight. He has been on the bench in the first two matches of his comeback following a broken rib. French defender Laurent Blanc and Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan were also fit again.
"I had a limited squad but now I have David back fit and Laurent and it is possible these two could play. Diego really deserves to play as well so that could be three changes," Ferguson said.
United have won seven games in a row and kept four clean sheets, despite injuries to key players. Ferguson said: "It hasn't surprised me because I think the capabilities have always been there".
AFP