Central defender Eric Bailly has returned to Manchester United training this week.

The 27-year-old has missed the previous eight matches for the club, having been out of action with an ankle injury and spent time away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

During that time the Ivory Coast international has been unavailable, the Red Devils have only kept two clean sheets, with West Ham United being the only team in the top six to have conceded more goals.

Interim manager Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that Bailly will not be available for Manchester United's fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion today, as the match will come too quickly for him in his recovery.

The defender returned to training on Monday, and he could be in line to make a return to the matchday squad on Sunday when they face Leeds United.

So far this season Bailly has only made four appearances in the Premier League. body check tags ::