Manchester United dealt blow as Eric Bailly is ruled out for two months with knee injury

Having shipped four goals against Chelsea at the weekend, losing Eric Bailly was the last thing Manchester United needed.

Since arriving from Villarreal in the summer, the Ivorian has been United's most consistent performer at the back, rapidly becoming a big hit with supporters in the process. However, after pulling up with a knee injury early in the second half of the 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, it's now clear that Bailly is expected to be missing for the next two months. According to a report by Sportsmail, medical tests on the centre half have confirmed that he has sustained a lateral knee ligament injury. Although it is hoped that Bailly will return to action sooner than expected, he could miss as many as 12 matches for his club, including key Premier League meetings with Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton. As things stand, Bailly should be back in the United team in time for the notoriously busy Christmas period. After that, he is expected to join up with his national team for the African Cup of Nations in the new year. With United putting in their worst defensive display of the season on Sunday, the prospect of facing a winter without their best performing defender is yet another blow for Jose Mourinho, as he tries to guide the club to a top four finish. You can catch up on the latest episode of JOE's Football Friday Live right here...