Owen Hargreaves is on his way back to full fitness after 14 months on the sidelines with a tendonitis problem, it has been claimed.

According to the Manchester United website, the 28-year-old midfielder has been making progress in his recovery but the club are reluctant to put a timeframe on his return to first-team action.

Hargreaves, who has not played since September 2008, has undergone two operations to correct his recurring tendonitis injury in the last 12 months.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told the website: "It's difficult to say [when he'll be back].

"He is doing plenty of work with the physios and he is doing a lot of football work. But I think it comes down to a confidence thing and knowing that he is ready to come back with our players."

The England international has been seen completing some light training sessions at United's Carrington complex this week.

Hargreaves moved to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich in July 2007.