Soccer

Manchester United’s Eric Bailly facing two months out

Ivorian centre-half injured his knee during chastening 4-0 defeat to Chelsea

Eric Bailly is facing two months out after injuring his knee during Manchester United’s 4-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge. Photograph: Reuters
Eric Bailly is facing two months out after injuring his knee during Manchester United’s 4-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge. Photograph: Reuters
Tue Oct 25 2016 - 18:36

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is expecting to be sidelined for up to two months with a knee injury.

Sunday’s 4-0 humiliation at Chelsea was compounded by the impressive 22-year-old being forced off after 52 minutes at Stamford Bridge.

United boss Jose Mourinho spoke of his fear in the post-match press conference that Bailly had suffered serious knee ligament damage.

The Portuguese said his defender felt it was “really bad” and the Ivory Coast international has now confirmed he will be forced to sit out for around two months.

READ MORE

“I wanted to thank you for all the messages of support that I received since the injury,” he posted on his verified Facebook page.

“I hope to be able to play again for United and The Elephants before 2 months, God willing. Thanks for always being there!”

Bailly is reported to have suffered lateral knee ligament damage, with that initial time frame seeing him miss up to 13 matches should United progress past Manchester City in Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie.

The frantic festive period then follows before the Ivory Coast international heads to the African Nations Cup in early January.