Manchester United news: Henrikh Mkhitaryan 'unsure' whether he will be fit to face Pep Guardiola's City

The Armenian returned from international duty early after picking up a thigh injury

(Getty)

Manchester United summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan has admitted he is unsure whether he will be fit for Saturday’s Manchester derby.

Mkhitaryan returned to United’s Carrington training ground this week after picking up a thigh injury during an off-the-ball collision while captaining Armenia against Czech Republic last Wednesday.

Tests revealed damaged tissue to the 27-year-old’s left thigh following the collision with Marek Suchy which, although not as severe as first thought, was expected to keep him out for a period of ten days.

The initial statement from the Armenian FA said: “Mkhitaryan has had a medical examination in a clinic in Mlada Boleslav. Unfortunately the results are not encouraging.

“Mkhitaryan was found to have an injury in the lower third of the left thigh muscle.

“Such injuries usually require a week to ten days to heal.”

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Getty)

The injury kept Mkhitaryan out of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Denmark, but the 2015/16 Bundesliga Player of the Year has assured fans he is working hard to be fit for one of the most highly anticipated games of the season so far as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola come face to face for the first time in the Premier League.

He told fans on Twitter: “Not sure yet if I’ll be fit for the derby, but I’m motivated as ever to put all energy to be in great shape asap!!

“Hard work and professionalism have always been at the heart of what I love most – football! Thanks for sending me your love and support!!”

The £26m signing from Borussia Dortmund has yet to start a competitive game for United, with Mourinho opting to play Juan Mata from the right and Wayne Rooney in the number ten position in the opening three matches.

Manchester United Fixtures in 2016/17 | PointAfter

Mkhitaryan has come on as a substitute in each of those three games and was likely to be restricted to that role against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday if he was fit anyway.