Ivorian international Bailly has had a stop-start season and has been sidelined from the last few matches following a positive COVID-19 test
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has responded to speculations surrounding the future of centre-back Eric Bailly. The Ivorian international has struggled to cement down a regular starting berth for few seasons now. Bailly has had a stop-start campaign this time around owing to injuries. Recently though the defender had tested positive for coronavirus in the international duty, sidelining him for the last few matches.
In his absence, first-choice centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have predominantly played together. On Thursday night, Axel Tuanzebe partnered Lindelof in the 2-0 Europa League quarterfinal second leg victory against Granada. Maguire was suspended from that match, but due to Bailly’s unavailability, Tuanzebe played as one of the defenders.
Ahead of the next clash against Burnley in the Premier League, Solskjaer responded to the rumours. “Eric has played well when he has played. I know there has been speculation, we are talking to him about his contract so I don’t see any issues really,” Ole said in his pre-match press conference.
It is still not clear when Bailly might be fit, but Solskjaer is hopeful of having him for the weekend clash. “Eric has been isolating back home in the Ivory Coast and he is back in England now and we hope he can be available for the weekend,” he added.
“Hopefully he can train tomorrow [Friday] depending on how he feels within himself but he has had the tests today so we need to get the confirmation that he is still negative.”
If Bailly is fit, United might have all four centre-backs available for Sunday’s clash. Maguire will return from the Europa League suspension, while Lindelof and Tuanzebe will also remain in contention. Besides, Phil Jones has also returned to individual training after an extended spell on the sidelines.
