Ruud van Nistelrooy could be back to lead Manchester United at Charlton tomorrow.

Van Nistelrooy was forced to withdraw from the Netherlands squad for last weekend's friendly with Italy after failing to recover from a rib injury picked up in United's triumph over Chelsea on November 6th.

But, after intense treatment at United's Carrington training ground this week, manager Alex Ferguson is optimistic the 29-year-old will have recovered in time to make the journey as his side look to build on their success over Jose Mourinho's men.

"Ruud has got a chance," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News. "I am just hoping he will be okay."

Gary Neville put himself in contention for a first-team return by coming through an hour of last night's reserve-team win over West Brom.

Neville made his comeback in a 4-1 triumph after three months on the sidelines with a groin injury suffered during the Champions League qualifier with Debrecen.

Tottenham's hopes of landing Deportivo La Coruna defender Cesar have improved after his club announced they would listen to offers for the out-of-favour player.

Spurs have been consistently linked with the defender and Coruna president Augusto Lendoiro has now invited interested parties to get in touch with a view to a securing a move during January's transfer window.

Cesar's contract runs out at the end of the season and the Spanish international, who has made just two substitute appearances this term, is desperate to rekindle his career elsewhere.