Eric Bailly set for ‘4 to 5 months’ on sidelines with injury

Eric Bailly

Manchester United have tonight confirmed that defender Eric Bailly is set for an extended spell on the sidelines, after being forced to undergo surgery on his injured knee.

Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham

United went head-to-head with Premier League rivals Spurs in Shanghai last week, in an International Champions Cup clash.

The Red Devils headed into proceedings having enjoyed a fine pre-season to date, on the back of respective victories over Perth Glory, Leeds United and Inter Milan.

And the Manchester giants’ fine form continued versus Tottenham, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men ran out eventual 2-1 winners.

Anthony Martial opened the scoring early on at the Hongkou Stadium, before Lucas Moura levelled things up shortly after the hour mark.

Angel Gomes’ strike 10 minutes from time, though, proved the difference between the sides.

Bailly crocked

On an otherwise positive day for the Red Devils, however, United were also dealt a blow on the injury front.

The player to have picked up the problem was defender Eric Bailly.

Less than 10 minutes after being introduced as a half-time substitute, the Ivorian appeared to twist his knee, eventually resulting in Bailly being stretchered off in clear pain:

As such, fears quickly spread that Bailly may be set for an extended spell on the sidelines, with news of the extent of the stopper’s injury having been forthcoming this evening.

In an official statement across the club’s social media channels, Manchester United have confirmed that Bailly was forced to undergo knee surgery earlier today.

And, in a major blow for all associated with the Red Devils, the procedure has since seen the African’s timetable for a return to action set at ‘four to five months’: