Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly has been passed fit to start Ivory Coast’s African Cup of Nations last-16 tie against Egypt.
The 27-year-old suffered a head injury during the closing stages of the 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone, with the Elephants conceding an injury-time equaliser in his absence.
The injury led to United’s number three sitting out the 3-1 win against Algeria, which knocked the defending champions out of the competition and set up the knockout tie with Mohamed Salah’s Egypt.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the knockout clash, Ivory Coast coach Patrice Beaumelle said: “Eric will be there. He will play in somewhat like a rugby look, with a scrum cap, but he will be there.
“He has recovered well. He has been training for two days with the team.”
The former Villarreal man will need to be at his best to help the Elephants eliminate the Pharoahs in one of the ties of the round, which kicks off at 4pm today, at the Stade Japoma in Cameroon.
A win for Ivory Coast would see them face Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Eric Bailly was an unused substitute when Salah scored a hat-trick in Liverpool’s 5-0 win at Old Trafford in October.
Whilst being on international duty, Bailly has been the subject of interest from Serie A sides.
AC Milan are still leading the chase to sign Bailly before the transfer deadline, but Jose Mourinho’s Roma are also interested.
Foot Mercato claim that Milan’s attempts to sign Bailly are hitting a stumbling block over his wages.
And the same report says that there is also interest in the Ivorian from Roma, although it is not as advanced as Milan’s.
Hannibal Mejbri’s Tunisia face Burkina Faso for a spot in the semi-finals on Saturday.
- Every former Man Utd player to play in MLS after Eric Bailly’s latest move
- Jason Wilcox has just shown why Amorim had to be sacked with pointed praise for Michael Carrick
- Newcastle’s £46m rejected bid proves that Man Utd have completed the best deal of the summer
- Michael Carrick might have provided a hint on Patrick Dorgu plans as transfer priority becomes clear
- Who is Tynan Thompson? Exciting Spurs wonderkid linked with move to Man Utd
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
