Chris Smalling set to come back next week

Manchester United received a boost with the full fitness of full-back Chris Smalling, as Sir Alex Ferguson announced he is due to return next week.

Reports suggested the 22 year-old was suffering from glandular fever after he missed his team's win against Wigan on Boxing Day, which could have him sidelined for three months. However, the Scotsman has dismissed the rumours and claims Smalling doesn't have any serious problems, despite being set to miss the New Year's Eve game with Blackburn Rovers.

“The reports are well wide of the mark,” he said. “He has tonsillitis. He had glandular fever as a kid but that's not the case here. He should be ready for the Newcastle game, at least definitely the Manchester City game in the FA Cup.”

Smalling's fitness comes as major news for the Red Devils, who also lost Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans in the last few games. But Ferguson stresses that his defensive options will be wider against Blackburn.

“We're hoping Phil Jones will be fit, there's possibly an outside chance that Rio Ferdinand will get on the bench. Other than that, we're the same.”

Nevertheless, the Scotsman doesn't want the team to use their recent defensive injury plague as an excuse as he keeps demanding results.

“Hopefully we can keep the momentum going. The form is good and the players are enjoying themselves too.”