Jose Mourinho will be without just three first-team players as Manchester United prepare to host Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
It’s the clash of the titans in the Premier League on Sunday as long-time rivals Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola face off once again in the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford. Ahead of the game, the Manchester United boss was pleased as he is set to welcome three players back into his matchday squad.
Phil Jones, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Nemanja Matic will all be available on Sunday, meaning just three first-team players remain on the sidelines. Matic has still not completely recovered from the muscular problem that he sustained against Watford last week, but is fit enough to start against City.
Zlatan, on the other hand, is back after missing the last two games due to fatigue following his return from a long-term knee injury, while Jones is available for the first time in a month after completing his recovery from a thigh injury.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ✔
Phil Jones ✔
Nemanja Matic ✔The boss revealed #MUFC‘s team news for the derby earlier today: https://t.co/cwVmt6nWuk pic.twitter.com/mkfKoHruAN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2017
But, Eric Bailly (groin) and Michael Carrick (calf) are yet to get off the treatment table, with no clarity on when the duo will return. The third and final absentee is perhaps the most important change this weekend, with Paul Pogba sidelined due to suspension.
The French midfielder is serving the first of his three-match ban on Sunday following his dismissal during the 3-1 win over Arsenal last weekend. He is likely to be replaced by Ander Herrera, or Marouane Fellaini, whose availability will be subject to a late fitness test following his return from a knee injury.
Mourinho spoke at length about the biggest match of the season for both sides during his pre-match press conference. The manager iterated that while three points are supremely important for his side, it’ll be a special match for both set of fans.
“I know that a derby is something special for the people. For us, in the end, it is three points but, honestly, I think that for the people born in the city and feeling the colours in that good positive rivalry, it is a special match.”
Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, will be without at least two first-team players, with Benjamin Mendy (knee) and John Stones (hamstring) on the treatment table. Additionally, Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph are major doubts, but David Silva is fit and available after shrugging off a minor knock.
