Zlatan Ibrahimovic dilemma for Mourinho, as Manchester United boss confirms Bailly ankle surgery
Swedish striker could come in for Romelu Lukaku and make his first start of the season at West Brom, while defender Eric Bailly could be out for three months
Jose Mourinho must decide whether now is the time to recall Zlatan Ibrahimovic to his starting line-up as Manchester United prepare to visit West Brom in the Premier League on Sunday.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has played 73 minutes in five substitute appearances since returning from cruciate knee ligament damage against Newcastle in November.
There were fears Ibrahimovic’s career may be finished after he suffered the injury during a Europa League quarter-final victory over Anderlecht in April.
The 36-year-old’s return to fitness came sooner than most expected, although it is clear that Mourinho is wary of asking him to do too much too soon.
United’s manager suggested a week ago that Ibrahimovic, who has yet to score since his comeback, is not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes, but the form of Romelu Lukaku may cause a rethink soon.
Lukaku did score the first-half winner in midweek as United beat Bournemouth, 1-0, at Old Trafford, but has looked below par for the past two months, with just three goals in 15 games.
“There will be a bit of rotation,” said Mourinho without directly addressing the Lukaku situation.