Manchester United: Mkhitaryan eyes return, Ibrahimovic to miss Europa League clash against Zorya Luhansk

United striker Ibrahimovic is reportedly spending a short holiday in Milan.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan (R) has played only one Premier League game under Mourinho Reuters

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to be back for Manchester United's Europa League clash against Zorya Luhansk at Old Trafford on 29 September, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The Armenian international, who was Jose Mourinho's third signing after Eric Bailey and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, injured his thigh during his side's 3-0 defeat to Czech Republic in an international friendly in August. Mkhitaryan played the first 45 minutes of United's derby defeat against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

After missing the last four games for United, the 27-year-old returned to training ahead of the Premier League clash against Leicester City on Saturday. However, Mourinho had deemed the former Borussia Dortmund star not 100% fit.

Mkhitaryan's return would boost the confidence of the Red Devils, who lost their Europa League opener against Dutch side Feyenoord. Mourinho's men also ended their three-match losing streak against Northampton Town in the EFL Cup third round tie and went on to thrash Claudio Ranieri's men 4-1.

However, United will be without in-form striker Ibrahimovic for Thursday's encounter. The Swede is in Milan after he was granted a short holiday by Mourinho, according to the report. Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial will also be not part of the home side's squad.

Meanwhile, United have suffered a fresh injury blow as defender Phil Jones suffered another setback while recovering from a knee injury he suffered earlier this month.

The 24-year-old, who has not played under Mourinho at Old Trafford yet, was expected to be available for United's clash against Feyenoord earlier this month but suffered a ligament damage during training. The one-month recovery period will now be extended as he has been fitted with a knee brace, according to The Sun.

READ MORE