The Manchester United midfielder was forced to have an injection to ease a tendinitis problem that has dogged him throughout the early stages of his Old Trafford career.
Ferguson stated on Tuesday night, in the aftermath of United's Champions League win over Roma, that Hargreaves would be missing for at least four weeks, ruling him out of England's Euro 2008 double-header with Estonia and Russia, plus a series of key club games, including the trip to Dynamo Kiev on October 23.
However, the Reds chief now feels Hargreaves' return could be slightly more speedy.
While this is not going to be of much use to England coach Steve McClaren, Ferguson's need for the 26-year-old is acute given Michael Carrick has been ruled out for six weeks with a fractured elbow.
"It may be a bit less than four weeks," Ferguson told Manchester United Radio.
"Owen should be back training in about 10 days' time, which is good news because he hasn't had the best of luck.
"But, having the injection has been successful."
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It is possible Hargreaves, who has managed just three Premier League games so far since his £18million summer switch from Bayern Munich, could be in contention to face Aston Villa on October 20.
Certainly, with Carrick out, it would give Ferguson a welcome option in central midfield, where Paul Scholes is currently his only fit player.
"Losing Michael Carrick was a bad blow," said Ferguson.
"I went to shake his hand at the end of the game on Tuesday and he couldn't lift his arm.
"I knew he was in pain, so we sent him for an X-ray and it confirmed it was a broken arm.
"It's a blow especially as his last three performances have been spot on.
"That was the Michael Carrick of last season. I thought he had a slow start to the campaign, but he was gathering momentum again. He was superb against Chelsea, Birmingham and Roma."
With Carrick and Hargreaves both missing tomorrow's encounter with Wigan, when victory will take United to the Premier League summit for the first time this season, Ferguson must decide who should partner Scholes.
"I still have options," he reflected.
"I can bring Ryan Giggs into midfield, or young Anderson, and John O'Shea can also play there, so I am not too bad."
How would you solve the midfield problem? Have your say.
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george (05/10/2007 at 10:43)
Mick, Dublin (05/10/2007 at 11:19)
We are currently missing Carrick, Hargreaves, Fletcher, Park and Gibson, all of whom can play in central midfield.
The fact that we can still field a decent side tomorrow says it all about how far we've come in strengthening what was, until very recently, a real problem area for our squad.
Prob (05/10/2007 at 12:01)
GK - Kuscack
LB- Evra
CD - Vidic
CD - Rion
RB - Brown/O Shea
CM - Scholes
CM - Giggs
RW - Ronaldo
LW - Nani
CF -Tevez
CF - Rooney
SUBS - Heaton, Brown or O Shea, Saha, Anderson, Pique
Mick, Dublin (05/10/2007 at 12:31)
O'Shea is plenty good enough to do a job for us in CM. Just as he did many times last season (does noone else remember that season? you know? the season we won the league?)
I have every confidence Sheasy can slot in tomorrow and do just fine.
What's interesting to me is whether Fergie opts for a midfield three, to make up for the loss of Carrick's passing ability. And if he does, will he play Giggs or Anderson?
matt malone (05/10/2007 at 12:47)
Duncan, London (05/10/2007 at 12:55)
Barry Lee, USA (05/10/2007 at 13:37)
Red Terry Dbn S.A, Durban, South Africa (05/10/2007 at 14:04)
Mick, Dublin (05/10/2007 at 14:20)
Besides, possibly the most important game all season is in about a month's time (vs Arsenal) we'll need him in tip top shape for that one.
But this is a point of view that might not have held much water with McLaren!
chris, oxford (05/10/2007 at 14:29)
Even play Rooney or Tevez in midfield if Fergie doesn't use Anderson but not the others, please!
JC Anderson (05/10/2007 at 14:38)
O'Shea-Ferdinand-Vidic-Evra
Ronaldo-Scholes-Giggs
Tevez-Rooney-Saha
Maybe Nani for Giggs to start.
bernie, manchester (05/10/2007 at 14:39)
Al (05/10/2007 at 14:51)
Lee , Heywood, Heywood (05/10/2007 at 15:00)
Pepe (05/10/2007 at 15:04)
A Mancunian, Manchester (05/10/2007 at 15:12)
george (05/10/2007 at 15:48)
Thanks for reminding me folks.I forgot all about DF's injury.Whoever plays in the middle (Pique as a surprise)UNITED should bag the points.Goals would be nice.
Mrs Fullaway`s lodger (05/10/2007 at 15:48)
TK, JOS, Vid, Rio, Evra, Ronny, Scholes, Giggs, Nani,
Wazza n Carlos
Believe Wes not yet fit, option to start with Saha too adventurous for SAF, but he`ll get the last 30 mins or so. Anderson the last 10 mins, if we`re winning, and maybe Gazza also for the last 10. We`ll win by ONE goal to NIL!
george (05/10/2007 at 16:06)
charbel (05/10/2007 at 16:14)
matt malone (05/10/2007 at 17:08)
bobbydazzler (05/10/2007 at 17:09)
Balders, Tier 2 Stretford (05/10/2007 at 17:18)
" now i know what you're on about" !!
Barry, Happy Valley,, San Francisco, California (05/10/2007 at 17:19)
last 15 years of Giggs career, he's always given the ball away. Regardless, this never has stopped Giggsy from becoming
the top left sided player in Europe. His general quality, that includes the good passes he makes and some of these can be awesome, especially those penetrating passes through the defense that often become assists on a goal,
the outside of the foot pass he just gave Tevez wasn't too shabby. His ability to run into space at speed, his goals - some of which are simply amazing, all contribute to what we call
Ryan Giggs, United legend and still a player capable
of helping United to great
things this season. He might
not be the starter for every game but when called upon
Ryan is still up to the task.
Up the Reds,
Austin Powers (06/10/2007 at 00:40)
Giggs ? A youth player you stole from the Machester Club.
Hargreaves ?
Also ran but never mind you can hype him up for the mass's and brainwash them through repetition that he can actually play..... or not.