Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is targeting a starting spot for Darren Fletcher in the League Cup later this month.
Fletcher has surprisingly been included in United's Champions League squad, as well as the squad for today's game against Wigan Athletic.
The Scotland midfielder had taken time away from the game after being diagnosed with a chronic bowel problem and has not featured for the United first team since 2011.
No decision has been made whether the 28-year-old will be on the bench for the match later today, but Ferguson has been suitably impressed with his recovery.
"I have to make my mind up about Darren," said Ferguson. "I am looking at the options but it is a possibility [that he could be on the bench].
"The important thing is that he is back in the squad. He is in the squad because I think it will give him a boost. It charts the progress the lad has made. The next step is to involve him in the first team.
"I am looking at the Newcastle cup tie as a starting point for him because we alter the make-up of the side for these games."
United host Wigan today at 3pm.
Daniel Cross
