Fergie handed injury boosts

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been handed a number of injury boosts ahead of the game against Wigan.

United have been beset by injury problems in recent weeks, most notably in defence, but are expected to see the return of a number of players when the Latics travel to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The Red Devils are five points behind Chelsea at the top of the table with a game in hand, and Ferguson will be hoping his returning stars can close the gap with a win against Roberto Martinez's side.

"Gary Neville is now available for tomorrow (Wednesday) night, we're still hoping to have (Jonny) Evans and (Rio) Ferdinand back soon," he said.

"(John) O'Shea may be a bit longer. Paul Scholes missed the game on Sunday, he got a kick in the hip in training so he missed the game but he should be available for tomorrow.

"Anderson will be available. Nani, of the forwards, is not available, he's still injured.

"So we're getting a bit better shape-wise in terms of the composition of the squad in an important time of the year that is vital to us.

"Wigan tomorrow, I know we've got a good record against them but you have to respect the victories they've had against Chelsea and Aston Villa this season.

"They play football. That's the way Roberto Martinez wants his team to play. He's got a good philosophy about it so it should be an entertaining match.

"I'm pleased that we've got centre-backs back and that makes a difference to us."

Defence

United have conceded four goals in their last two games against Fulham and Hull, and Ferguson is pleased that Evans and Ferdinand will be returning to central defence soon.

"They could be quite soon, they shouldn't be too far away," he added.

"Jonny actually has been training but he just felt a tight hamstring during training the other day so we've had to put him on the easy list for a couple of days, but he's not far away."