Ole Gunnar Solskjaer issues update on Eric Bailly ahead of Arsenal clash

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that defender Eric Bailly will travel with the Manchester United squad to face Arsenal this weekend, despite speculation that he could miss out due to injury.

The Ivorian defender has recovered from injury to become an important part of Solskjaer's back line in recent weeks, and was due to start against Sheffield United on Wednesday, but an injury sustained on Tuesday meant that Axel Tuanzebe was called in at short notice.

"Eric was down to play this game but he got a bang yesterday and is sore and bruised," Solskjaer said shortly before kick-off on Wednesday. "It’s unfortunate for him.”

Solskjaer's title-chasers fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat in Bailly's absence, and there had been concerns that the tight turnaround in fixtures meant Saturday's visit to the Emirates would come too soon for the 26-year-old. But it is hoped he will be back in time to face Arsenal, as Solskjaer confirmed on Friday that he will travel with the squad to London.

He said, via MEN: "He's travelling to Arsenal, yeah. Apart from that, we didn't get any other losses from Sheffield United and the players are all fit and raring to go."

Chris Wilder's team picked up just their second win of the season at the Red Devils' expense and it put a potentially costly dent in their title hopes - especially with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool picking up convincing wins in the same round of fixtures.

United remain in second place, just a point from top spot, but it doesn't get any easier as they take on an Arsenal side in resurgent form. Mikel Arteta's team have taken 16 points from their last 18 available in the league, dismissing Southampton at St Mary's last time out, and know what a victory over the title-chasers could do for their own European hopes.

They will have new signing Martin Odegaard available, and Solskjaer - a countryman of the Norwegian playmaker - knows all about the threat he poses.

In his press conference, he added: "Martin is a very talented young player. We know from the national team that he can cause anyone problems.

"We wish him all the best - I just hope he isn't finding his form on Saturday!"