Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been handed a boost with news Eric Bailly could return to first-team action by the start of next month.
Bailly, 22, hasn’t featured in any of United’s last five matches after suffering knee ligament damage during prior to the hour mark in their 4-0 defeat away to Chelsea at the end of October.
The Ivory Coast international was initially ruled out until after Christmas but the United summer signing will reportedly return to training with a view to making his return in United’s last Europa League group stage match away to Zorya at the start of December.
“The medical staff were impressed with his progress over the recent international break,” a United source told The Sun. “They are refusing to set a comeback date, but Bailly hinted the game on December 8 will be his return.”
Bailly made an impressive start to life in the Premier League following his £30m switch from Villarreal over the summer and his return would be a massive boost ahead of the busy Christmas period, as Mourinho looks to get United’s title bid back on track following their turbulent start.
Only Ander Herrera (31) has completed more interceptions in the Premier League this season than Bailly (30).
For more stats on Eric Bailly, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
