Chris Smalling Injury: Manchester United Return Discussed by Jose Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed Chris Smalling won't return to action from his broken toe until Christmas.

Per the Mirror's David McDonnell, the Special One is hoping the defender will return in time to cover for Eric Bailly when he heads to the Africa Cup of Nations in January: "He [Bailly] is a big loss but we know that. So let's hope that Smalling can recover in time to replace him in the squad. I think the end of year, by Christmas [Smalling will be back]."

After a rocky start to his career at Old Trafford, the Red Devils centre-back, 27, has established himself as a key figure in their back line with some assured performances, and he now comprises half of United's best central-defensive pairing with Bailly.

The versatile Daley Blind has spent much of his United career providing cover in the centre, but beyond him, Mourinho lacks quality options to replace Smalling.

Phil Jones has seriously struggled with form and fitness in recent years, while Marcos Rojo has been unconvincing for the majority of his time with United bar a recent upturn in form.

If United are to finish in a UEFA Champions League spot, they can ill afford injuries to their key players—Smalling included.

Fortunately for United, they have several relatively straightforward fixtures over the festive period once they've played Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday—Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

Nevertheless, having Smalling available for selection again as soon as possible will be a timely boost for the Red Devils.