Man Utd’s Manuel Ugarte in doubt to face Brentford after suffering knock vs Ecuador
The nature of his injury remains unclear, but it raises concerns over his availability for Saturday’s clash at Old Trafford.
Manchester United have been dealt a massive injury blow as manager Jose Mourinho revealed centre-back Eric Bailly would require ankle surgery and would be out of action for a period of two to three months.
“Bailly 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.
“But now we have (Phil) Jones back and we have (Chris) Smalling, even (Daley) Blind, so it’s a position we have good cover in but of course we’ll miss the player,” the Portuguese added.
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United, second in the league, trail runaway leaders Manchester City by an hefty 11-point margin.
The Red Devils visit the Hawthorns on Sunday to take on struggling West Bromwich Albion on Sunday while the Citizens host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night.
If City were to drop points against the resurgent Lilywhites, United could trim the gap at the Premier League summit by beating West Brom the next day.
While chances of a Premier League title appear slim, the Red Devils are under pressure from third-placed Chelsea as the Blues are just three points behind and as a result, United cannot afford to slip up against Alan Pardew’s men.
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Mourinho also confirmed there were no fresh injury concerns for his side following their gritty 1-0 win over Bournemouth in mid-week and he would use the same squad for Sunday’s trip to the Baggies.
The winter period is a hectic time for all English top-flight clubs and United play three games in seven days starting Sunday.
“A bit of recovering, a bit of rotation. I’ll change a few players from match to match because I think it is almost impossible for players to play all these matches in December and the beginning of January,” Mourinho responded when asked how he would manage his squad.
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