Manchester United star Eric Bailly set to give Jose Mourinho a boost by returning from injury early
Centre-half has recovered faster than expected from knee ligament blow and could be back in training next week
MANCHESTER United boss Jose Mourinho has received major boost with Eric Bailly set to return early from his knee ligament hell.
The Ivory Coast centre-back has been out since United were hammered 4-0 by Chelsea in September.
But could be back in training next week after recovering faster than expected and is targeting his comeback against Ukrainian minnows Zorya Luhansk at the start of next month.
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United had feared the 22-year-old would be out until he left for the African Cup of Nations in January.
An Old Trafford insider said: "The medical staff were impressed with his progress over the recent international break.
"They are refusing to set a comeback date, but Bailly hinted the game on December 8 will be his return."
Mourinho is short of centre-backs and has been forced to play midfielder Michael Carrick and flop Marcos Rojo in defence.
Bailly has had an impressive start to his career at United, putting in some strong performances so far this season.
He joined the Red Devils from Villarreal for £30million in the summer and has made 13 appearances.