Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed Eric Bailly faces a long spell on the sidelines and may even need surgery on his ankle injury.
Bailly has missed United’s last eight matches through injury but was due to return in time to help Mourinho’s side during their busy festive period.
However, the Ivory Coast international has now suffered a serious setback in his return from injury and Mourinho has revealed the 23-year-old may even require surgery.
“I think his injury is serious,” Mourinho told the club’s official website after their 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday.
“I don’t know [how long he will be out] but his is an injury that comes from the last time he went with the international team and then we are trying a conservative treatment.
“But, if the conservative treatment is not resulting, probably he will have a surgery procedure but let’s wait a little bit more. I’m not a doctor, I think the doctor can inform [you]. There’s nothing to hide, but I don’t want to be speaking about it.”
Bailly has quickly established himelf as United’s best defender since joining from Villarreal over a year ago and his absence will be a huge blow for Mourinho.
In fact, United have won 59.4% of their Premier League matches that Bailly has started compared to less than half (47.8%) when he has not been available to feature from the off.
This season, United have only conceded four goals in 10 matches Bailly has started across league and European competition.
