PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Eric Bailly - Ivorian defender hoping to return next month

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Jan 26, 2018. 19:00

Manchester United’s Ivorian defender Eric Bailly is looking to return to first-team action as early as next month, ahead of his side's UEFA Champions League fixtures against Spanish side Sevilla.

The 23-year-old has been sidelined since early November with both groin and ankle injuries, but could be back in time to face United's next European opponents.

According to a report in The Times, Bailly is going through running exercises at the club’s Carrington training facility.

"Eric Bailly, meanwhile, is targeting a return to action in United’s Champions League match against Sevilla next month," the tabloid reports.

"Bailly, the centre half, had surgery on his ankle last month after suffering an injury on international duty with Ivory Coast.

“Mourinho said at the time Bailly could be out for up to three months, but it is understood the centre back expects to be fit for United’s Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter with the Spanish club on February 21.

"Bailly has recently started running at Carrington and United’s medical staff have been pleased by his progress."

United are confident that Eric Bailly will be fit for next month’s Champions League match against Sevilla. Bailly has started light running and is expected back in full training next month. #mufc [espn] pic.twitter.com/a1SSSpw4C9

— United Xtra (@utdxtra) January 23, 2018