Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that Romelu Lukaku is back in contention for Friday night's FA Cup third-round tie against Derby County.

The Belgium international was forced to sit out the New Year's Day win over former club Everton after suffering a head injury against Southampton two days prior.

Mourinho expected to be without his leading marksman until the Premier League meeting with Stoke City on January 15, but he has now clarified that Lukaku may be used against Championship promotion hopefuls Derby.

"It was not a concussion; it was a precaution, a protection for him," he told MUTV. "He wanted to play against Everton, but this time he is back."

Lukaku has netted 14 goals in all competitions for United since joining in the summer, but has just four in his last 20 outings.