Smalling has not played since the defeat to Chelsea, and is in line to miss games against Arsenal, West Ham and Everton.
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been ruled out for four weeks with a broken toe in two places, the Daily Mail among other outlets, reports.
Smalling seemed subject to criticism from manager Jose Mourinho surrounding the 3-1 win over Swansea City where he missed the game through injury, as Mourinho seemed to question his ‘bravery’.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa in action with Manchester United’s Chris Smalling
The Mail reports that Smalling last played a game – the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea last month – having had two injections in his foot.
As a result, Smalling could miss some crucial games that are coming up, starting with Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford after the international break.
He will also miss Premier League games against West Ham United and Everton, as well as the EFL Cup quarter-final tie against the Hammers – and it looks as if United will have to get through their remaining Europa League group stage games without him as they look to get themselves out of a sticky situation in their group. Judging by the timescale put on his recovery, he could be available for United’s clash with Tottenham on 11th December.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho before the match
It adds to problems in the United defence as they are already without Eric Bailly because of a knee ligament injury, though Phil Jones returned in the weekend’s win over Swansea and could be in line for a run in the side as a result.
This could mean that we will see a centre-back partnership of Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind, as has been seen in previous matches, if Mourinho does not pick Jones. If he does then one would think Blind would get the nod at the heart of the defence during this period.
Manchester United’s Chris Smalling in action with Fenerbahce’s Robin van Persie
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