Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that Eric Bailly will be out of action "for the next two or three months" as the centre-back prepares to undergo an ankle operation.
Bailly has not represented United since the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the start of November, and it had been claimed earlier this week that the problem could keep the Ivorian out for the remainder of the season.
Mourinho has insisted that the 23-year-old will not be absent for the full campaign, but will now sit out "the next two or three months" as surgery on his damaged ankle has been pencilled in.
"He goes to surgery, the decision is made. I don't say [he's out] for the rest of the season but it's for the next two or three months," Mourinho told MUTV.
Bailly joined United from Villarreal in the summer of 2016, and the defender made 38 appearances in all competitions during an impressive first season with the Red Devils.
