The 23-year old was taken off in United's Champions League defeat against Zalaegerszegi in August and has not played since, but Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased with Brown's progress and could see him back playing very soon

He said: "I think he will play his first game the week after next. He has come back a little bit quicker than we thought, and I just hope the lad gets a break now, stays clear of injuries and gets on with a long spell of playing. He is still a tremendous player."

The naturally gifted defender, who is held in high regard at both his club and within the England team, has been extremely unlucky with injuries since making his Premiership debut in 1998, but Ferguson believes he has the right attitude to get over this latest setback.

"It is no problem for him. He is as disappointed as any player would be, but he has a smashing temperament and I don't have any fears in that respect. What he needs is a bit of luck."

Meanwhile, another of England's injured stars continues his road to recovery this evening. Robbie Fowler will play his second game in a week for Leeds United's reserves when they take on his former club Liverpool, and the man who scored more than 150 goals for the Reds will be aiming to continue his comeback trail in scoring form after netting against Villa last week.