Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the Aon Training Complex.

Solskjaer's team news before the Manchester derby

Friday 06 December 2019 10:00

Anthony Martial should be fit enough to play at least a part in Saturday’s Manchester derby, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 24-year-old missed Wednesday’s win over Tottenham Hotspur after picking up an injury during last Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, but the boss says he could feature at the Etihad Stadium, even if it’s initially as a substitute.

"We hope to have Anthony, definitely, for part of the game. I am not sure he is able to start,” said Ole.

Paul Pogba, who memorably scored a brace in our last victory away at our rivals, a 3-2 comeback success in April 2018, is still recovering from the ankle injury that has ruled him out since the end of September.

The French midfielder is getting closer to a return, with Solskjaer indicating that he could play a part for the Reds over the upcoming busy festive period.

“Paul probably won't be available, no,” the Norwegian added.

"We expect him back as soon as possible, as quickly as possible. He's out on the grass training. I said [he'll be back] in 2019, so hopefully we'll see him before the new year, definitely."

The boss didn’t provide an update on midfielder Nemanja Matic, whom he mentioned as possibly being in line for a return in midweek, but Scott McTominay did complete the full 90 minutes against Spurs after spending three and a half weeks on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, long-term absentees Eric Bailly, Tim Fosu-Mensah and Diogo Dalot are putting in the hard work at the Aon Training Complex as they fight to be fit.

Mason Greenwood received the nod to start in the win over Tottenham, in Martial's absence, and will be hoping for another run-out in a such a high-profile fixture.

Anthony Martial was withdrawn with a muscular problem against Aston Villa.

CITY TEAM NEWS

Pep Guardiola has already stated City’s leading goalscorer Sergio Aguero will miss the game with a thigh injury, while long-term absentees Leroy Sane and Aymeric Laporte (both knee) are out of contention until the new year. Left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to training after surgery on a knee problem, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be fit enough to play.

There is some good news for City, as Ilkay Gundogan can once again be selected after serving a one-match suspension during the comfortable midweek win over Burnley.

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