Paul Pogba will make his return to Manchester United first team training this week, sources have told ESPN.

The French international, 26, has been sidelined since Dec. 26 as he recovers from surgery on his ankle that followed an injury he first suffered at the end of September. Pogba has played just eight times for United this season, but his return to competitive football looks to be imminent.

After going through most of his rehabilitation at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex in Dubai, Pogba is back at United's Carrington training ground. Club doctors are happy with the midfielder's progress and recovery and have given him the go-ahead to resume training.

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Thursday's FA Cup tie at Derby (stream LIVE on ESPN+ at 2:45 p.m. ET) and next Sunday's Manchester derby will likely come too soon for him, but Pogba could return to action in the Europa League against LASK Linz on March 12, or three days later at Tottenham.

Sources added that Pogba has closely followed United's results during his absence and is looking forward to returning and developing a partnership with Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese international has made a huge impact since arriving at the end of January, scoring three goals and adding two assists.