PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Eric Bailly - Defender set for return to Red Devils line-up

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Oct 27, 2017. 19:00

Eric Bailly will look to return to Manchester United’s starting XI for tomorrow’s high-profile clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

The Ivory Coast defender has not featured for the Red Devils since their 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League exactly a month ago today.

Following that match - which was Bailly’s UCL debut - he was rested for the home win over Crystal Palace on September 30, and then jetted off for international duty with the Ivory Coast.

The 23-year-old picked up an injury while featuring for the Elephants and has been out of commission ever since.

United have not fared particularly well in his absence, failing to win either of their two Premier League matches in the period (0-0 v Liverpool and 1-2 v Huddersfield Town).

However, Bailly returned to training this week and is in line to start against Spurs in tomorrow’s early-afternoon kick-off at Old Trafford.

It’s a key match for the Red Devils, who need a powerful performance (and a win) to convince their critics that they can challenge rivals Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Bailly was in good spirits this week upon returning to training, and posted this funny entry in his official Twitter page:

Feeling good after today’s training session. Too bad I’m surrounded by these guys ���� pic.twitter.com/a09vpvnHBC

— Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24) October 24, 2017