Aston Villa defender Wilfred Bouma is close to returning to first-team action after an eight-month injury lay-off.
The Dutch left-back, 30, who dislocated his ankle in the Intertoto Cup tie against Odense in July, came through a third reserve team run-out on Monday.
Before the international break, Villa boss Martin O'Neill said he "might need another game or two" before returning.
Bouma has played two full reserve games in the past week and could feature against Manchester United on Sunday.
His comeback is a timely boost for a Villa defence that was run ragged last time out when they were crushed 5-0 by Liverpool.
Nigel Reo-Coker's limitations at right-back were exposed at Anfield, but the return of Bouma will allow Luke Young, who has filled in at left-back, to move back across to his more natural position.
However, Villa striker Emile Heskey, who has pulled out of the England squad to face Ukraine on Wednesday with a hamstring injury, looks set to miss the trip to Old Trafford.
That means Gabriel Agbonlahor could partner John Carew up front, providing he recovers from a knock which prompted his withdrawal from the England Under-21 squad.
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