Ibrahimovic among trio of United players passed fit for Manchester derby

Manchester United's sick bay got a little less crowded with news that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Nemanja Matic, and Phil Jones are available for this weekend's contest at Old Trafford against Manchester City.

Ibrahimovic was held out of United's midweek Champions League win over CSKA Moscow as a precaution, with manager Jose Mourinho saying he didn't want to risk the Swedish striker after recently returning from a long-term knee injury.

Matic also missed Tuesday's match, but, similar to last week's appearance against Arsenal, the Serbian international is expected to play through injury Sunday. Jones has a chance to return to action for the first time since Nov. 10 when he picked up a knock while on international duty.

Mourinho added that Marouane Fellaini's availability remains unknown as he attempts to overcome a knee ailment.

Related: Manchester City's Silva declared fit ahead of United clash

Eric Bailly and Michael Carrick are the only players who Mourinho confirmed would miss the match through injury.

United will be without Paul Pogba following a straight red card that he was issued in last weekend's win over Arsenal.

The Red Devils will look to cut into City's eight-point lead atop the table when the two sides meet Sunday. Last season, City won the first derby before the two sides produced a goalless draw. United's only triumph last term came via a 1-0 win in the League Cup.