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The news that striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and midfielder Ji-Sung Park are ready to return to the team camp has delighted fans of the English Premier League leaders. However, the veteran from Norway only expects to fully recover around Christmas.
The 33-year-old veteran O.G. Solskjaer suffered an Achilles tendon injury in last month's match against Danish side FC Copenhagen, while the 25-year-old South Korean midfielder Ji-Sung Park has not played since September due to a calf muscle injury.
"Ji-Sung and Ole will start training this week, which is great news for us," said head coach Sir Alex Ferguson to the club's official radio station. "As we approach the crazy month of December, it's really great to have these players with us."
The imminent return to good physical shape is particularly important for O.G. Solskjaer, who came back from a potential career-ending injury to his left knee but has now returned to the team this season and has scored four goals in the Premier League and one in the UEFA Champions League.
"I can't wait to return," said the 'super sub Ole'. "I really want to train and hope to be ready to play soon, maybe around Christmas. When I was injured, I didn't think it was a big blow. But mentally it was very tough because I was in good condition before, I felt strong and I was happy."
"At the start of the season, we were plagued by injuries. I know they can ruin you forever, but this time it gave me a little break. I have to stay positive. If we keep playing well until February or March, we can be proud of ourselves," said the player.
Recently, doubts have been raised about the chances of the "Man Utd" team to win the title due to the clear lack of a deep bench, that is, a small number of capable substitute players.
Opponents like Chelsea in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford could use high-level but non-starting team players like Joe Cole or Arjen Robben, while "Man Utd" still lacks people who could replace key players in the attacking line.
The return of both players (Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ji-Sung Park) to A. Ferguson's team will fill the gap - in the second half of the season, the "Red Devils" face three away trips to the stadiums of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
In addition, long-time "Man Utd" manager announces that another striker, Alan Smith, is also slowly regaining his fitness.
"Alan is doing better as time goes by. We have adjusted his training program and made it different from the first team's program; currently, he is doing special training to regain his speed," said the Scot. "He responds well to it and enjoys it. He understands that he needs to work hard and gives his all."
In the English Premier League, the "Man Utd" team is in 1st place with 35 points after 14 matches and will face Everton on Wednesday.
