Chris Smalling Injury: Manchester United Star Has Muscle Problem Before Chelsea

Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling could be a doubt for Sunday's trip to Chelsea after suffering a "minor injury" on Thursday. 

Per Mark Froggatt for United's official website, manager Jose Mourinho spoke to MUTV after Smalling was substituted at half-time in the 4-1 win over Fenerbahce: "He had a bad muscular feeling. We were 3-0 up so we decided to change. Hopefully he can recover for the weekend."

The Red Devils were plagued by injuries in defence during the 2015-16 season, where Smalling emerged as one of United's senior stars after forming a reliable partnership alongside Daley Blind.

Eric Bailly was signed from Villarreal this summer for a fee of £30 million, and the Ivory Coast international has come to forge a new partnership with Blind, although Smalling has also impressed when handed his chance.

The former Fulham starlet has also served as captain in Wayne Rooney's absence for several games this season, showing manager Jose Mourinho has some respect for Smalling's status in the squad.

Smalling helped his side form one of the stingiest defences in the Premier League last season, and his absence will still present a personnel quandary for Mourinho.

The Portuguese could look to the likes of Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo or Michael Carrick to provide cover at centre-back if Smalling fails to return in time to take the field at Stamford Bridge.