Heinze making good progress (26 Mar 2006 03:28 GMT)
Manchester United's assistant-manager Carlos Queiroz is optimistic Gabriel Heinze will return from his serious knee injury before the end of the campaign.
The Argentina full-back was expected to miss the remainder of the domestic season and the World Cup finals after rupturing knee ligaments during the Champions League clash at Villarreal in September.
However, he has made a quicker than expected recovery and is back in light training, with a view to making a comeback in the closing weeks of the season.
"Everything is going fantastically for Gaby so far and hopefully, in four to six weeks, he will be fit," said Queiroz.
"He is not training with the team yet, just following his individual recovery preparation, but he is doing well.
"We will not rush him, just follow the recovery process week after week but we still hope he could play again before the end of the season."
Although Queiroz was positive about Heinze's progress, he warned that the player would only be given permission to play at the World Cup finals if United's medical staff and the Argentinian FA's doctors are both satisfied he has made a full recovery.
He added: "The most important thing in all this is the player and whether he is totally recovered and ready to play.
"The final decision to give him clearance should be made by us and the Argentine medical staff."
source : Football.co.uk