Anderson back for the game against West Ham United

Anderson returns to the United squad for Saturday's lunchtime clash at West Ham but Sir Alex Ferguson has a headache over the right-back position.

The Brazilian midfielder has been sidelined for the past seven games with a knee problem but increases the manager's options in the engine room with Paul Scholes suspended and Darren Fletcher out with a virus.

Ji-sung Park, who was an unused in the win over Bolton, is also available but Owen Hargreaves has suffered a shoulder injury that has prolonged his absence.

Although Nemanja Vidic is back to captain the team and bolster the defence, the back four is the main area of concern for Sir Alex. Jonny Evans is banned and three right-back options are ruled out - Wes Brown, Rafael and John O'Shea, although all three are expected to be available for the home game against Fulham next Saturday.

Fabio appears to be favourite to slot in, with Chris Smalling continuing in the middle alongside Vidic as Rio Ferdinand is back in training but not likely to be available until the home game with Fulham.

The Reds endured a torrid time on their last visit to Upton Park, losing 4-0 in the Carling Cup. Sir Alex is expecting another tricky encounter in East London on Saturday, but hopes his players can produce the goods this time.

"You always expect a hard game when you're away from home at this stage of the season no matter where you go," he said at his pre-match press conference.

"Of course this is also an important game for West Ham who are down at the bottom of the league fighting relegation. We're at the top trying to win the league. So it should be an interesting encounter. Hopefully we can get the result we need."