Manchester United could be handed another major fitness boost ahead of Sunday's Premier League visit to Liverpool.
United have struggled for centre-back options in recent months due to a plethora of injuries in the position.
However, Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed Eric Bailly is close to a return to first-team action after almost six months on the sidelines with knee ligament damage.
Bailly came through an appearance for United's under-23 side against Newcastle United last Friday and is expected to have another such outing on Tuesday.
"He's very close," said Solskjaer on Tuesday. "He might be back for the weekend.
"We've got a game arranged today for the reserves. Hopefully he will get 90 minutes so he might be ready for Liverpool."
Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones were United's only fit senior centre-backs for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat to Manchester City last Tuesday, with Harry Maguire having joined Bailly, Marcos Rojo and Axel Tuanzebe on the touchline after suffering a torn hip muscle.
However, Maguire provided a surprise boost when he returned for Saturday's 4-0 Premier League win over Norwich City.
United visit Anfield on Sunday and are currently fifth in the table, 27 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
They are the only team to have stopped the Reds from winning in the Premier League this season after securing a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in October.
