Fergie welcomes Saha back

Striker back in contention for Arsenal showdown

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 15th February 2008

Saha Manchester United

Saha: Blighted by injuries

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Sir Alex Ferguson insists that Louis Saha is ready and raring to go in Saturday's FA Cup fifth round clash with Arsenal.

The Manchester United striker has not featured for the first team since picking up a knee injury in the third round tie with Aston Villa and has been restricted to just 19 appearances in all competitions this season.

However, having now made a successful return to training in the past couple of weeks, Ferguson is delighted to have the French international back in contention entering the business end of the campaign.

Different

"He's a fantastic player and I'm glad to have him back at this particular junction of the season," said the United boss.

"He adds something different from what we have as a team as everyone knows and therefore, it's welcome back.

"There's no question that he is fully recovered, he's done a lot of training now, he's through that 10 days of intensive football so he's okay."

Balance

With United and Arsenal both still involved on three fronts this season Ferguson expects both sides to ring the changes ahead of the weekend showdown at Old Trafford.

"I don't think either side will play the side that everyone expects. We'll make a couple of changes," he admitted.

"The view is that with massive games like Arsenal and then Lyon (in the UEFA Champions League) on Wednesday you have to have a lot of consideration about how you balance out your team and hopefully we'll get it right.

"I think the game will be a normal Arsenal, Manchester United game full of great commitment, feisty, competitive but full of a lot of football because both teams certainly play good football."