Manchester United vs Stoke City - Antonio Valencia set to return for United

Posted Monday, January 15, 2018 by PA

Antonio Valencia could return for Manchester United's home clash with Stoke on Monday night.

The converted right-back has been out for almost a month with a hamstring injury but trained with Jose Mourinho's team in Dubai this week along with Michael Carrick, who has not played since September having undergone a procedure to treat an irregular heart rhythm.

Ashley Young still has one match left to serve on his suspension while Eric Bailly (ankle) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee) are missing once again.

Stoke could have Erik Pieters and Bruno Martins Indi available.

The Dutch pair have stepped up their recoveries from hamstring and groin injuries respectively, returning to training this week. It was hoped skipper and fellow defender Ryan Shawcross, recently sidelined by a calf problem, would also be involved in training ahead of the game.

There may be a debut for right-back Moritz Bauer after his switch from Rubin Kazan to the Potters, who have had first-team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki in temporary charge since the sacking of boss Mark Hughes last weekend.