Cristiano Ronaldo set to return for Manchester United against Chelsea next week

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to be unleashed on Chelsea next week.

The Portuguese winger was expected to be sidelined for another fortnight after ankle surgery in July.

But he is back in training with Manchester Unitedis first-team squad.

Sir Alex Ferguson resisted the temptation to bring Ronaldo back against Liverpool at Anfield yesterday and is unlikely to risk last season's 42-goal phenomenon in the Champions League against Villarreal at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Ferguson said: "I think the first time we see him in action will be against Chelsea."