Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that defender Jonny Evans is back in training ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby.
The 36-year-old made a surprise return to the Red Devils during the summer of 2023, leaving Leicester City on a free transfer following their relegation to the Championship.
In a difficult campaign under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag in 2023-24, Evans was a regular for the first team at Old Trafford, playing in 30 matches, including 23 Premier League battles.
The Northern Irishman also featured in four FA Cup matches on the Red Devils' way to the crown, beating Pep Guardiola's Citizens in the Wembley final.
Over two seperate spells at the Theatre of Dreams, Evans has turned out on 231 occasions for the 20-time English champions, scoring seven times.
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Man United recieve Evans injury boost ahead of Citizens clash
Speaking ahead of Sunday afternoon's all-important showdown with Man City at the Etihad, Man United head coach Amorim provided a positive update on the availability of Evans.
When questioned on the possibility of the veteran defender participating this weekend, the Portuguese boss said: "Yes, he is training already."
Such news will come as a welcome boost for the Red Devils as they look to conquer the Premier League champions on their own turf on Sunday.
Evans has missed the last five matches across all competitions for Man United, including recent top-flight defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.
Suffering a knock in late November, the centre-back made his return to training prior to his side's 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League but failed to make the squad for the contest in Czech Republic.
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Centre-back options and other injuries
With Evans back in the first-team fold ahead of Sunday, Amorim has a decision to make on which trio start in central defence for the trip to the Etihad.
After injury issues in that area of the pitch during the start of his reign, the Portuguese coach has a plethora of options, including summer arrivals Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.
The Red Devils are limited on the left side of defence, though, with Luke Shaw suffering a fresh hamstring injury after coming back from a long-term absence.
It is understood that the Englishman's issue is not significant and he could make a return for Amorim's troops at some point later this month.
Carter White
