Friday, April 29, 2011

Berbatov Back for Arsenal Clash

Source ManUtd.com

Dimitar Berbatov is available for Sunday's huge clash at Arsenal as Sir Alex Ferguson targets three points that would move United closer to clinching a record 19th title.

The Barclays Premier League's top scorer has been sidelined since the FA Cup semi-final defeat to City but has shrugged off a groin strain to make the squad for the trip to London.

Darren Fletcher is likelier to resume his comeback in the second leg against Schalke next week after appearing in the first half of the reserves' draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford.

"Dimitar Berbatov's fit again, he's trained all week. He had a slight groin strain and missed the last two games but he's available," said Sir Alex at Friday morning's press conference.

"Darren Fletcher played 45 minutes (last night) as you know and he's come through it fine. I could possibly include him on Wednesday and get 45 minutes out of him.

"He's put the weight back on and working hard in the gymnasium. It's a great addition to the squad at this time of year having missed him for a couple of months."

The boss is delighted to have so much strength in depth as the Reds negotiate not only the last four matches of a long and arduous league campaign but also the latter stages of the Champions League, hopefully culminating in the final on 28 May.

"There's a bit of freshness in the club. Ji-sung Park's back fresh, as are Valencia, Anderson and young Fabio's come in. That does give you an extra boost in the sense of the intensity of all the games nowadays. So it puts us in a good position.

"From my experience over the years when we've been challenging, the way we've handled it has always been good. I've got a strong squad and I can make a few changes if I want to on Sunday and on Wednesday also. We don't do a great deal of training (between the matches) now. It's a matter of recovery, getting the energy back in and keeping the form."

The form of his team, and especially his strikers, fills Sir Alex with confidence that United can win the next two crucial league games against the two teams immediately behind the Reds.

"Two months ago I think everyone was looking at these two games coming up, Arsenal and Chelsea, as league deciders and they probably are now. So we're going into the games in good form and hopefully we can keep that going.

"I think Wayne Rooney and Chicharito have been a revelation in the last few weeks. It's given us all great hope that we have a chance."

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