Hargreaves comeback delayed

The 25-year-old was hoping to step back into training with the rest of his Bayern Munich team-mates at their Dubai training camp today almost four months after breaking his leg.

However, further tests on his leg revealed the healing process was not as advanced as previously predicted and he will instead only take part in light training.

A return in time for Bayern's first competitive fixture of 2007 at Borussia Dortmund on January 26 is now unlikely.

His long-term future with the Bavarians should be secure, though, after Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer reiterated the club's stance in light of fresh speculation linking Manchester United with the Canada-born midfielder.

"It is right that a player who has just extended his contract is not simply allowed to leave because another club wants to pay him more," he said in the Bild newspaper.

Hargreaves extended his contract until 2010 just before the World Cup last summer.

After impressed in Germany, he became the Red Devils' primary target, but Bayern have repeatedly insisted he will not be sold at any price.