Owen Hargreaves' Return Closes Book on Traumatic Injury

As Michael Owen was informed of the extent of his latest hamstring injury, it would be easy to label the former Liverpool frontman as a liability who failed to supply United with the clinical performances that Anfield had been treated to earlier in his career.

His injury history, particularly at Newcastle, became so lengthy, that his advisors were forced to send interested clubs a brochure detailing the England strikers marketability and skills to dispel the notion that Owen had become a shadow of the player so fondly remembered for the goal he recorded against Argentina in the '98 World Cup.

Until last weekend's Carling Cup final, Owen's injuries had been largely forgotten. He had never missed a training session and had made significant impact in key fixtures, particularly United's 4-3 derby win in September, where Owen slotted the ball home in stoppage time to record a much-needed victory over the Red Devils' most hated rivals.

Such is Owen's lack of injuries this term that it has notably been Manchester United's other Owen who has been more accustomed to life on the treatment table. Owen Hargreaves hasn't been seen in a United shirt since September 2008, a period in which the Calgary native has undergone surgery to cure chronic patellar tendinitis, a condition that causes stiffness and swelling in the knee.

Known as "Jumper's Knee," Hargreaves' injury is caused by irritation and inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin bone, usually resulting from over-use, often in the act of jumping.

Since Hargreaves' last match in a draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder went to Colorado to cure the problem. Under the careful eye of surgeon Richard Steadman, Hargreaves underwent considerable surgery to repair his troublesome knee.  Worries that Hargreaves would never recover from the injury shone considerable light towards the pain endured by Hargreaves in his appearances for United and England.

The injury had been often overlooked by United medical staff, who expected the problem to eventually subside with extended rest periods. Such a tactic was used on Paul Scholes in trying to cure an inexplicable eye problem in 2006. However, Hargreaves' limited appearances exacerbated the issue, furthering the pain to such a degree that he could barely place any pressure on it.

Such gross misfortune belies the incredible talent that Hargreaves possesses. As a tough-tackling midfielder, the England international was often exploited for his versatility, being played out of position at international level, much to the bemusement of his then-employers Bayern Munich.

His man-of-the-match display for England in the quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany demonstrated his skills as a water-carrier, willing to harass opposing midfielders and close down space, playing short passes to more skillful players to launch effective counter-attacks.

Apart from his physical ailment, Hargreaves has been rumored to have been plagued by mental uncertainty. Similar to Arsenal's Eduardo, the Canadian is believed to have been rather anxious to enter the fray, due to fears of relapsing in his recovery.

Such apparent doubts create a shocking contrast to a man who displays such self-belief and courage, immigrating to Germany as a young man without anybody to guide him on his journey to becoming an established regular within the England setup.

Today, however, there is hope. Hargreaves is expected to make his return in a reserve game at Altrincham, marking the first stage on his road to full match fitness, after training for several months with the first team.

Hargeaves' inclusion comes after being overlooked for a place in United's Champions League squad for the knockout stages, despite being part of the squad for the earlier group matches.

At international level however, Hargreaves still retains a popular following. In light of off-field issues with Ashley Cole and John Terry and the lack of defensive depth available to Fabio Capello, Hargreaves still remains a coveted asset to England. Despite only playing 25 matches for Manchester United, Hargreaves remains an important member within the England fold, such is the lack of quality amongst England's other defensive midfielders.

The chances of a World Cup berth for Hargreaves remains a distant ambition at best. It will be hoped that the combative midfielder will return to prominence and display the talents that wowed spectators before Capello can consider him for the upcoming matches against Mexico and Japan.

Whether Hargreaves manages to book his ticket to South Africa is still unclear. Hargreaves however, might now be finally able to close the chapter on the worst period of his career. His status as the forgotten man at Old Trafford might just finally be over.