The Sunday Mail
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is nearing a return to fitness as Manchester United seek to strengthen their grip on second place in the Premier League when they visit Newcastle today.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has struggled to get back to his best since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage during a Europa League victory over Anderlecht last April.
He made his comeback in the reverse fixture against Newcastle at Old Trafford in November, a match that Jose Mourinho’s side won 4-1, but has not played since late December due to concerns over his knee.
“Zlatan started training with the team a few days ago,” said Mourinho.
Mourinho would be extremely cautious about throwing him straight back into action today, although his squad is otherwise in reasonably good health.
Defenders Eric Bailly and Daley Blind are both expected to return from ankle injuries before the end of February, although midfielder Marouane Fellaini will not make his comeback until March as he recovers from knee surgery. – AFP
