Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists Nemanja Vidic was not dropped for the game against Real Madrid, and still has a part to play at Old Trafford. Instead, Jonny Evans got the job of partnering Rio Ferdinand in central defence.
But after virtually 16 months out of action and two lots of major knee surgery, Ferguson is happy for Vidic to inch his way back.
"Steadily, he's getting there," said Ferguson.
"He was fantastic against Everton and I had my doubts over whether I was doing the right thing or not.
"But, in my mind, three days' recovery was a risk, so I stuck by what we've been doing with him.
"We've managed it for a while now. When Nemanja came back from his latest injury he'd only played about eight games in 18 months.
"That's a long time out and not a lot of games."
