United's Bailly could miss three months

Dec 15, 2017 - 2:52 PM Manchester United defender Eric Bailly will undergo ankle surgery and could be out for up to three months, manager Jose Mourinho says.

The Ivory Coast centre back, who has made eight league appearances for United this season, has not played since the 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the start of November.

"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 said.

Bailly's absence leaves the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof to cover United's central defensive area, but with the transfer window hovering into view Mourinho has other options too.

The Portuguese is not approaching the prospect with any great enthusiasm but admits he could be tempted to do business if the right individuals came along.

"I'm not a big defender of the January market but there are players and situations that sometimes you have the chance to do and you shouldn't lose that chance," he said.

"I don't like the January market just to buy but if you can buy in January a player that you would buy in June or July and you have the chance to get him a few months before then great, but just that."

One player who might fit the bill is Antoine Griezmann, the Spain forward who has long been linked with the Red Devils.

The forward's departure from Atletico Madrid appeared to move a step closer on Friday with manager Diego Simeone telling L'Equipe "of course he can leave at some point".

But if Mourinho is eyeing a move for one of European football's most coveted talents, he was not letting on.

"I don't speak about players, especially players that belong to other clubs, there is no sense," he said.

Second-placed United take on 17th-placed West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Sunday with club-record signing Paul Pogba still absent as he serves the last game of a three-match ban.

Source: AAP