Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says midfielder Alan Smith could be back by early September, seven months after breaking his leg.
Smith has returned to light jogging after suffering a double leg-break in the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool blocking a John Arne Riise free-kick.
“I would think he will be back towards the beginning of September,” Ferguson told Manchester United Radio.
“There is no mental block, it doesn’t bother him. His approach is amazing.”
Ferguson does not expect the 25-year-old to be back in time to play a significant part in United’s pre-season campaign, but hopes to have the former Leeds player available soon.
“He still has a bit of a limp but he was out on the training ground last week walking around and went for a little jog,” he said.
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