Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho gives derby injury update on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Phil Jones

The pair will be available for Sunday's derby but Marouane Fellaini remains a doubt

Mark Critchley
Friday 08 December 2017 15:34 GMT
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Manchester United face Manchester City on Sunday
Manchester United face Manchester City on Sunday (Manchester United)

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Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Phil Jones will be available to play in Sunday's Manchester derby.

The Manchester United manager will be forced to wait for the results of a late fitness for Marouane Fellaini before knowing whether the midfielder can replace the suspended Paul Pogba.

Jones has not appeared for United since aggravating an existing calf problem while on international duty with England but is in line to return against league leaders Manchester City.

Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, is still struggling with the long-term effects of a knee ligament injury.

The Swedish striker made his first appearance since April last month after recovering from the issue but missed last weekend's victory at Arsenal as his playing time needs to be managed.

“Zlatan is available. Jones is available,” Mourinho said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “Fellaini I have to wait until tomorrow.”

Nemanja Matic is currently carrying a muscle problem after coming off during the second half of last week's 4-2 win at Watford but Mourinho will still risk the midfielder.

Michael Carrick (illness) and Eric Bailly (groin) remain unavailable.

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