Owen Hargreaves has been offered a possible World Cup lifeline by England football manager Fabio Capello as he battles back from operations on both his knees.

The Manchester United midfielder had surgery in the US carried out by knee specialist Richard Steadman last year, following a lengthy battle with tendonitis.

However, with the Canadian-born player on the brink of returning to full training, England Capello has said that if he secures regular football a place in the 2010 World Cup squad could be open to him.

The former AC Milan coach said: "Why not? He can because he has time to recover," adding: "He has six months to recover his good form but he needs to play."

The England manager revealed he had met the player in Manchester to discuss his recovery.

Those who are dealing with problems such as tendonitis in the knees may find ultrasound treatment helps with the condition.

Hargreaves was signed by Manchester United from Bayern Munich in 2007 for £18 million.