Hargreaves has been out of action for the past 18 months due to sugery in both his knees.
“Owen could still be an important player for England,” said Ferguson.
“It is not like Ledley King. If he comes back the confidence would come back. If he started playing the confidence would be the key factor.”
“Our physios are doing their best and sometimes we feel he is almost there, then it seems to be slow again,” he added.
“But I am confident he will be back before the end of the season.
“The biggest incentive should be to get back into our team but if at the end of it there is the carrot of being in the World Cup then I will be happy with that.”
