Chris Smalling Injury: Manchester United Deny Reports of Defender's Broken Toe

Manchester United have denied reports that Chris Smalling has been ruled out for "at least a month" with a broken toe.

The Daily Mail's Dominic King reported on the nature of the Englishman's injury, with tests showing that the centre-back "has broken a toe so badly in two places" that he could be out for a minimum of four weeks. King stated that Smalling "may not play again before Christmas."

However, a United representative told Reuters on Friday, "The manager says it is not true."

The news comes after Jose Mourinho questioned some of his players' attitudes after Sunday's trip to Swansea City, a game for which Smalling made himself unavailable. The England international played against Chelsea in October with the aid of painkilling injections and has not featured since.

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty believed the Special One could have employed more sympathy with his players:

Smalling, 26, will likely miss crucial upcoming Reds fixtures against Arsenal, Feyenoord, West Ham United, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, among others.

The centre-back is one of Mourinho's key defenders and has formed an effective partnership with Eric Bailly since the Ivorian's summer arrival at Old Trafford.

Daley Blind has also played alongside Bailly in 2016-17, but Smalling is a key part of the squad at Old Trafford and has been handed the captain's armband by manager Jose Mourinho when Wayne Rooney hasn't started.

The former Fulham man has established himself as one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League over the last few seasons.

His combative style and great confidence on the ball make him a huge asset to United, and while there is cover available, he is arguably part of the Red Devils' best starting XI.

With Bailly out until Christmas, Smalling's fitness is vital to United's ambitions.