MANCHESTER UNITED are growing increasingly optimistic that they will have Radamel Falcao back to face Arsenal, after the striker missed the games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Crystal Palace through injury.

Radamel Falcao looks set to face Arsenal

Falcao has been sidelined with a calf injury that is not thought to be directly related to knee surgery that caused the Colombian to miss the World Cup over the summer.

But reports suggest that the injury is more a result of a lack of proper conditioning following Falcao's move to United, than any longstanding concerns over his knee.

Jose Pekerman left Falcao out of his Colombia squad to face the United States on Friday, but insists that the 28-year-old is closing in on peak condition.

He said: "There is no doubt he is in optimal condition. He's recovered very successfully. He done everything perfectly. This is a small muscular injury, it is different to the knee injury before the World Cup.

"He's in a good condition and could be ready for Arsenal. He hasn't even started yet. He will be one of the best players Manchester United have had and will break a lot of records in England."Indeed, it is suggested that Pekerman agreed to omit Falcao to allow him to undergo a rigorous and specially-tailored fitness program at Carrington last week.

And United are thought to be so happy with Falcao's progress that they now expect him to face the Gunners this weekend.

It now remains to be seen whether Falcao can do enough in the remainder of this season to persuade United to take up the option to buy him outright when  his loan deal expires at the end of the season.