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The Scotland international has not played since November 22 but is targeting a swift comeback despite being unable to get back to training following his chronic bowel condition

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is targeting a return to action from ulcerative colitis next season.

The Scotland captain has been struggling with the problem, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, for over a year and made only eight league appearances for United this season before taking an "extended break" from the game.

Manchester United can be backed at 20/1 with Bet365 to beat Fulham 5-0 in their Premier League clash on Monday night.

The 27-year-old is yet to make a return to training, instead taking over some of Paul Scholes' coaching responsibilites since his return from retirement, and told BBC Scotland's 'Sportscene' that there is still no precise date when he will step up his recovery programme.

"I'm still not ready to come back playing or training yet but I'm listening to the medical people and trying to get myself right," Fletcher explained.

"The challenge and the focus is to be ready for next season.

"Me and the medical team decided it'd be best if I tried to get myself right and take an extended period out from the game; then come back fully fit and ready to play.

"It's an unpredictable illness and you don't know what lies ahead of you. But I've got to keep staying strong and keep believing. That's an important side of it: positive thinking.

"I've received great support from everyone in Scotland and down in Manchester. I'm hopeful and really positive that I'll be back and back to my best."

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