"It has been a long road back for Gary," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has said.
"It is not easy at his age but his enthusiasm for the game and his determination to get back gives you the most encouragement about him.
"I think he will figure in some games this season. His personality and experience will help us."
Mikael Silvestre is also fit again and could return to the squad for the game at the Riverside as cover for Nemanja Vidic who is sidelined for the next three weeks with a knee injury.