Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly is back in training following a lengthy spell out with a knee ligament injury.
The 22-year-old has been spotted training with United's first-team squad at the club's training complex in Carrington, and could be ready for a return to Jose Mourinho's starting 11 before the New Year, according toManchester Evening News.
The Ivory Coast defender has been out of first-team action since picking up the injury during United's 4-0 defeat against Chelsea back in October. In recent weeks Phil Jones has partnered Marcus Rojo, with the club keeping four clean sheets in the leagueso far this season.
Speaking last week, Mourinho gave a positive update on the former Villarreal defender.
He is working hard and will be back before the end of the year, for sure.�
However, Bailly could return to United's team before Christmas, with the Red Devils set to play Tottenham, Crystal Palace and West Brom. Bailly will also join up with the Ivory Coast national team for the upcoming African Nations Cup in Gabon during January.
Bailly had impressed during United's games earlier in the season, helping his side keep two clean sheets in their opening three Premier League games.
Bailly was one of four players signed by Mourinho during the summer, alongside midfielder Paul Pogba, attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
United are currently sixth in the Premier League, 11 points behind current leaders Chelsea and eight behind fourth placed Arsenal. The club will need victory in their last Europa League game againstZorya Luhansk to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the competition.