Double boost for United

7:36pm Saturday 11th October 2008

Manchester United are preparing for a double dose of good news on the injury front.

Midfield pair Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves could both be back in action ahead of next Saturday's Old Trafford clash with West Brom after recent injuries.

Carrick has been struggling with an ankle problem for the majority of the season, missing six games since his last appearance against Liverpool at Anfield in September. Meanwhile, Hargreaves has been plagued by a tendinitis injury since he arrived at Old Trafford from Bayern Munich 16 months ago.

As well as key United games, Carrick and Hargreaves have not been available for England duty either, although Sir Alex Ferguson's chief concern is the Red Devils, especially now Paul Scholes has been ruled out until mid-December with a knee injury.

Ferguson does have John O'Shea, Anderson and Darren Fletcher available to fill the central midfield berths but with a Champions League tie against Celtic looming, the United boss will be happy to have two veterans of last season's successful European campaign available.

"We are expecting Michael to be available next week," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News.

"He is almost back to full training now.

"Owen is much better and we will pencil him in for the West Brom game without question."