Manchester United manager David Moyes has confirmed that Nemanja Vidic is ready to return from injury.
The United captain has missed the team's last two games after picking up a minor knock during their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on December 7.
However, Moyes insists that the Serbian defender is not guaranteed to walk straight back into the starting XI at Old Trafford.
"Nemanja is just about ready to play now," said Moyes. "But we have five centre-halves. We can use Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand and him.
"There is competition for places there and you are going to have to play well to stay in the team."
The Red Devils return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Stoke City in the League Cup quarter-finals.
