We knew once he had the operations on his knee's it was going to be a long haul back, and whilst I do think he's possibly ready physically to play (give or take his current injury). I think the issue now is more about him mentally, Fergie alluded to this last year, and whilst we don't know the full extent of this current injury, first it was a strain and then a tear and now no one seems to know, perhaps it's in his head that's the biggest problem.
Had he not got injured against Wolves the next match he would have played would have been the Carling Cup more than likely, and a couple of reserve games, and possibly be challenging to play for this Monday or next weeks game. However, we can't even afford him an easy run out in the cup, with the game against the Dippers were he to be fit.
All this talk in the press of Fergie quesitoning his long term chances seems odd, considering he was confident enough to play him against Wolves and we all know that the hamstring injury was unlucky rather than a consequence of the previous injuries. I have suggested this before, but I'd send Hargreaves off to say Preston once fit again to get him playing in some competative matches at a level below us, and see how he goes. If he can put a run of games in, and perhaps recapture some form then lets see about next season, if not wave goodbye with a big thank you for 2008.