Eric Bailly’s injury is ‘serious’, says Jose Mourinho

Manchester United coach, Jose Mourinho, has revealed that Eric Bailly’s ankle injury, that has ruled the Ivorian out of Red Devils’ last eight games, is “serious” and may require surgery. According to Mourinho, Bailly, 23, was injured while on international duty with Ivory Coast. The center-back has not played for United since the defeat at Chelsea on 5 November.

“I think his injury is serious,” Mourinho

At a press conference after yesterday’s 1-0 victory against Bournemouth, Jose Mourinho spoke about Bailly’s injury. 'I think his injury is serious,' stated Mourinho. 'I don’t know [how long he will be out] but his is an injury that comes from the last time he went with the international team and then we are trying a conservative treatment. But, if the conservative treatment is not resulting, probably he will have a surgery procedure but let’s wait a little bit more.'

The Portuguese refrained from talking about the specifics of the injury. 'I'm not a doctor, I think the doctor can inform [you]. There’s nothing to hide, but I don’t want to be speaking about it,' mentioned Mourinho. When asked if Bailly’s season could be already over, United’s head coach said that he’s no pessimistic. 'I don't want to be so pessimistic. I want to leave it with a doctor,' concluded the Portuguese.

United in the race

Currently, Manchester United is 11 points behind top-of-the-table Manchester City. However, with 21 games to go, the Red Devils have enough time to catch-up with their rivals. 'It is only over in May, if it is over now I go on holiday to Brazil or Los Angeles,' Mourinho told BBC.