Jose Mourinho

Mourinho's injury update ahead of the derby

Thursday 07 December 2017 11:57

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Nemanja Matic will return against Manchester City in this weekend's derby clash at Old Trafford.

Matic was forced off in the second-half of United's 4-2 win away at Watford on 28 November with what Mourinho later confirmed as a muscular problem, but played the full 90 minutes in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. 

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."
Jose Mourinho has confirmed Nemanja Matic will play in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday

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.


The Serbia international missed the midweek win over CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League

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."