Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Nemanja Matic will return against Manchester City in this weekend's derby clash at Old Trafford.
The Serbian international then sat out Tuesday night's 2-1 win over CSKA Moscow which secured United's place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, but, speaking in his post-match press conference, the boss explained that Matic is
“still injured but will play for sure.”
Matic is now expected to come back into a United midfield that will be without the suspended Paul Pogba, who starts a three-match domestic ban, for Sunday's crucial clash against the Premier League leaders.
Having just seen his side secure their passage into the last 16 of the Champions League as Group A winners, the manager also provided an update on several other members of his first-team squad.
Mourinho confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has not been involved in United's last two matchday squads as he continues his recovery from a long-term cruciate knee ligament injury, has a big chance of featuring against City.
Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini, meanwhile, were both described as having a chance of being involved at the weekend. But Eric Bailly, who last featured for the Reds against Chelsea on 5 November, remains sidelined, while captain Michael Carrick has also been ruled out.
ANALYSIS
Features editor Steve Bartram...
“The return of Matic is a huge boost for Mourinho, given how important the Serbian has become to the team since signing in the summer. His role is simple but effective: win the ball and distribute it to his more attack-minded team-mates, particularly when the counter attack is on. I expect Nemanja to be an influential player at Old Trafford on Sunday.”