Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he does not know when Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher will return to first-team action.

The 28-year-old has not played since December 2011 after being diagnosed with a chronic bowel condition, and Ferguson has not set a date for his comeback.

"We'll wait and see about [a comeback]. Obviously the boy is trying very hard to get back to his level. It's not going to be easy but we'll give him every possible chance and we'll see how he does," Ferguson told MUTV.

"He kept himself active towards the end of the season when he replaced Paul Scholes as Reserves coach when Scholes decided to come back to the fold. He's a terrific lad and we all hope he can come back."

Fletcher has made 302 appearances for the club.