Manchester United would be without the services of Ivorian defender Eric Bailly for at least the next two months after the club decided that he should undergo surgery on his injured ankle.
Bailly has not played in eight consecutive games for the Reds Devil after he got the injury while on international duty.
He has not featured for the Red Devils since their 1-0 loss to Chelsea and looks set to miss even more games.
Jose Mourinho had previously admitted to fears that the defender might need to go through surgery before he would be fit to play again, and his fears have been confirmed.
Speaking ahead of his side’s game this weekend, the Portuguese tactician confirmed that the club has decided Bially would go through with the necessary surgical operation, also letting reporters know that he could be unfit for the next three months.
Without Bailly, the Red Devils would be left wit Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof. This could force Mourinho into making a defensive signing next month, but his is not a fan of the winter transfer window.
According to Mourinho, the January transfer window does not always appeal to him, but certain situations could warrant him taking a chance.