Eric Bailly 'returns to Manchester United training'

Eric Bailly has reportedly returned to first-team training for Manchester United, five weeks after suffering a knee injury that was initially expected to see him miss the rest of 2016.

The summer signing from Villarreal damaged knee ligaments in Man United's 4-0 defeat to Chelsea in October and has missed his team's last seven matches in all competitions.

However, according to Manchester Evening News, the Ivory Coast international has been back with the Man United squad this week, fuelling suggestions that he will return to action before Christmas.

Despite his absence, the centre-back, who has impressed during the early stages of his Red Devils career, is still expected to represent his country at the Africa Nations Cup in January.

Man United's next three matches come in three separate competitions - West Ham United in the League Cup on Wednesday night, Everton in the Premier League on Sunday and Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League on December 8.