Football

Manchester United star Eric Bailly out for ‘four to five months’ after knee surgery, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer


Man Utd ace Eric Bailly could be sidelined for up to five months (Picture: Eamonn and James Clark)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Eric Bailly has undergone knee surgery and will be out for ‘four to five months’ after sustaining an injury in Manchester United’s pre-season clash with Tottenham.

Bailly, who has been plagued by injuries since completing a move from Villarreal to Old Trafford in 2016, was stretchered off the field in the second half of United’s 2-1 victory over Spurs in Shanghai.

The Ivorian fell awkwardly while attempting to chase down Son Heung-min and was pictured back in Manchester on Friday with a hinge brace and his knee heavily strapped.

Bailly’s latest setback meant he played no part in United’s pre-season clash with Kristiansund in Oslo on Tuesday as Juan Mata converted a last-gasp penalty to seal a 1-0 win for the visitors.

Asked for an update on Bailly’s injury after the final whistle, Solskjaer explained: ‘Eric has had an operation and will be out for four to five months.

‘Hopefully we’ll have him back around Christmas time.

‘It was positive news from the surgeon. He had the operation this morning [Tuesday] and [the surgeon] was positive that it was all repaired and he’ll be fine.

‘That’s good news.’

Bailly only managed 18 appearances for United last season after picking up an ankle problem followed by a similar knee injury.

Phil Jones, Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Axel Tuanzebe are the other recognised centre-backs in United’s squad.

Bailly’s latest setback will no doubt strengthen United’s desire to get a deal over the line for Harry Maguire, with the defender reportedly on the cusp of an £80m move to Old Trafford.

United are closing in on a deal for Harry Maguire (Picture: Getty)

Maguire’s arrival would increase competition for places at the heart of United’s defence, but Lindelof would welcome the England international with open arms.

‘I like the competition,’ Lindelof told ESPN earlier this month.

‘I love it, actually. I think it’s great for a club to have that competition.’

The Swede added: ‘If you have good players in your position you have to work hard every day, especially in training, and that helps a team to go to the next level as well.

‘For me it’s perfect. I like it. I think everyone at this club wants to be at the highest level.

‘I’m very good friends with them all. In training we compete and then off the pitch we are friends. That’s how it should be.’

MORE: Neymar rape investigation dropped over lack of evidence





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.