Jose Mourinho has revealed Chris Smalling will not be back for Manchester United until Christmas - at the earliest.

Smalling has not played for United since their 4-0 defeat at Chelsea on October 23, when he needed pain-killing injections to combat a foot injury.

It subsequently emerged the defender was suffering from a broken toe, which is set to keep the England international sidelined for two months.

Mourinho is desperate for Smalling to return as quickly as possible, with defender Eric Bailly - who has himself just returned from injury - away on Africa Cup of Nations duty in January with Ivory Coast.

"He [Bailly] is a big loss but we know that," said Mourinho.

United will lose Eric Bailly to the Africa Cup of Nations in January (
Image:
Mark Runnacles)

"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].

"With so many matches, we need players. In this moment, I think we have Phil Jones, Bailly and Marcos Rojo.

Phil Jones has enjoyed something of a career revival at Old Trafford in recent weeks (
Image:
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

"We play Tottenham, we play Crystal Palace, West Bromwich, Reading, the semi-finals [of the EFL Cup] and West Ham away.

"In that period we have lots of matches and it's important to have more options."

Luke Shaw, who is suffering from a muscle injury, will not be fit for Sunday's visit of Tottenham, according to Mourinho.

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