Matić, Ibrahimović, and Jones all available for Manchester derby

Manchester United received an injury boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City with news that Nemanja Matić will be available to play. According to Jose Mourinho, Matić is “injured,” but he will play. Much like against Arsenal last weekend, it appears that the Serbian midfielder will have his pain managed by the medical staff in order to play at the weekend. Hopefully the extra days of rest after being left out of the midweek Champions League tie will have done him some good. With Paul Pogba already missing due to suspension, United could ill afford to be without the other half of their first choice midfield for the biggest game of the season so far.

Zlatan Ibrahimović also missed the midweek tie because of his injury rehabilitation schedule, but the striker is now available for selection. He is likely to take his place on the bench, but we shouldn’t rule out Mourinho inserting him into the starting line-up. Big matches need big personalities and experienced heads. Ibrahimović may lack the fleet-footedness of some of United’s other attackers (not to mention match fitness as well), but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Mourinho call on his experience from the start.

Phil Jones is also fit enough to be selected, although it remains to be seen if Mourinho decides to insert him directly back into the starting XI. As good as Jones has been this season, he is likely to be rusty after missing the last few games, and a rusty Jones is a disaster waiting to happen. Eric Bailly remains sidelined, in what is becoming a worrying pattern of injuries.

Marouane Fellaini is still battling a knee problem, and may or may not make the squad on Sunday. With Michael Carrick still out, young Scott McTominay could well be the only midfielder available off the bench.