PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Eric Bailly - Ivorian defender to miss Manchester Derby

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Dec 08, 2017. 19:00

Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly is set to miss Manchester United’s derby clash with Manchester City this weekend.

The Ivory Coast defender, who last featured for the Red Devils on November 5 against Chelsea, remains sidelined with injury.

Manager Jose Mourinho confirmed Bailly’s absence for the derby, adding that Michael Carrick would also be missing, while Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini have a “chance” of returning.

And influential midfielder Paul Pogba will miss the clash as he begins a three-game suspension for being sent off in last weekend’s win at Arsenal.

The good news for United is that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has not been involved in United's last two matchday squads as he continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury, will be available.

In Bailly’s absence, United are likely to continue with a back three of Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Marcos Rojo.