Eric Bailly is set to return to training for Manchester United.
Bailly hasn’t played since November, after picking up an ankle injury while on international duty with the Ivory Coast.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the defender will return to training on Friday. He probably won’t be risked for the FA Cup tie with Huddersfield Town on Saturday, but he could play a part in United’s Champions League game with Sevilla on Wednesday.
United have conceded the fewest goals of any team in the Premier League this season (19). However, they have missed Bailly in recent weeks.
The performances of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones at central defence have been criticised following away defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Jones scored an own-goal against Spurs at Wembley, and Smalling gave away the free-kick which led to Newcastle’s goal after getting booked for diving near the half-way line.
Bailly’s last appearance for the team was the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at the start of November.
United fans will be happy to have him back, as they had been calling for his return recently.
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/962721361931235328
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/963751586051784704
Seriously bud, where are you? Come back, quick. @ericbailly24
— WilliamThe9th (@Willjparker94) February 12, 2018
Personally don't think Phil Jones should be sold this summer. Chris Smalling, yes, but Jones has actually done well and improved. Might have been poor in recent games, but been largely solid throughout. Manchester United need Eric Bailly back.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) February 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/UnitedStandMUFC/status/963790291798020096
https://twitter.com/JamesMUFC96/status/964111244679622658
When you read that Eric Bailly will return to #mufc training on Friday… pic.twitter.com/YMBeDeU1AG
— OldTraffordFaithful (@OTFaithful) February 15, 2018
