OWEN HArgreaves - an in-depth update.

Article by Mark Graham, Editor, Record Keeper & Official Reporter @ MUFCINFO.COM.

Owen Hargreaves as we all know had operations on both knees to cure a dogging tendonitis problem, a problem which last saw the talented midfielder kick a competitive ball for the Reds against Chelsea in a 1-1 draw back on the 21st of September 2008.

This week finally saw good news for a change in that Hargreaves has been included in SAF's Champions League Squad for 2009/10 and also plants a return to Carrington on the 23rd of September.

An operation on his right knee in November 2008 followed by another operation on his left in January 2009 saw Owen operated on by leading knee specialist surgeon Dr Richard Steadman (pictured left).

Born in Dallas, Texas, Dr Steadman has helped with the careers of Ruud Van Nistlerooy, Alan Shearer & also United's own Michael Owen, Steadman works with some 75 doctors who have collectively repaired some 16,000 knees and has worked on and developed several knee treatments.

Hargreaves now has about a month left of rehab before he is expected back at United's training ground Carrington, as he steps up his return, and with months of being stuck high in the Rocky mountains in of Vail, Colorado, where the population is only 5000, he will no doubt be itching for a walk round the Trafford or Arndale Centre.

SAF said of his £17m signing from Bayern Munich "We will take our time because the important thing is to get him playing to the right level,"

"We are in dialogue with him all the time and the physio who is doing his rehabilitation over in America will be coming with him for a week for the changeover.

"It means we can jointly understand all the treatments and rehabilitation he has been doing."

Whilst in Vail he has strict regime to follow : Wake up, rehab, eat lunch, rehab, eat dinner and rest.

"It's been frustrating at times," said Hargreaves.  "I don't really watch our games because as an athlete, and being so competitive, it's hard to watch when you normally would be out there."

Steadman said Hargreaves will return to football next season "better than ever" and that "athletes often build inner strength from overcoming what could be a career-ending injuries".

United's midfielder said "I'm going to come back stronger and hopefully add a couple of years onto my career," he said.

We all wish Owen a speedy recover & look forward to seeing him play soon.

Check www.mufcinfo.com for updates or subscribe HERE for our free breaking news & match reports news letter for the coming season.

Check www.mufcinfo.com for updates or subscribe HERE for our free breaking news & match reports news letter for the coming season.