Manchester: Paul Pogba and long-term injury victim Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make their Manchester United returns against Newcastle United on Saturday, manager Jose Mourinho announced on Friday.
France midfielder Pogba has been out since September with a hamstring injury, while former Sweden striker Ibrahimovic has not played since damaging knee ligaments against Anderlecht in April. Marcos Rojo is also in line to return.
Pogba and Ibrahimovic, so instrumental in United’s success last season, are back in full training and manager Mourinho said the three players are “ready to play.”
Ibrahimovic, 35, has made an impressive recovery from the career-threatening knee ligament injury he suffered in April.
Pogba’s injury was less serious, but the 24-year-old France midfielders has nevertheless been sidelined since mid-September with a torn hamstring.
In his absence, United’s play has stuttered compared with their impressive early-season form and, of the two, his return could be the more pivotal.
Ibrahimovic said in an interview in his native Sweden that he will return from his injury stronger for the experience.
“I’m determined to return better and stronger than before,” said Ibrahimovic, whose side trail league leaders Manchester City by eight points.
“That is my goal and it will happen. There are no other options.
“When I’ve decided to do something, nothing is going to change my mind. I said I would take over Sweden. At breakfast I had already taken over Sweden.
“At lunch I took over Europe. At dinner I took over the world. That was my plan. And that is exactly what happened.”
The veteran forward also said he is relishing the prospect of partnering Romelu Lukaku in the United attack, having handed the Belgium striker his No. 9 squad shirt when Lukaku signed from Everton.
“I was asked who I thought was good in the league and I mentioned Lukaku,” said Ibrahimovic.
“He is physically strong and he makes a lot of goals. Every team needs players like that. I am glad he is at United. I think he will help us a lot and he already has in just a short time.”
Mourinho says the Belgium international and Ibrahimovic can play together.
“Good players can play together,” said the Portuguese.
“We can’t expect him (Ibrahimovic) to play full 90 minutes or consecutive matches. Fitness and sharpness is everything.”
