Manchester United star suffers fractured foot. Mourinho faces crisis before Liverpool clash.
Chris Smalling, who suffered a heavy blow to his leg during the game against Young Boys will not feature in the upcoming clash against Valencia on Tuesday. He suffered a hairline fracture to his foot and he was not able to wear shoe beforemath the game against the Gunners. The defender sat out against Southampton which ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw at St.Marys.
The Manchester United defender was forced to take painkillers to take part against Arsenal and Fulham respectively. However, the English International could not last more than 59 minutes during the clash against Claudio Ranieri’s Fulham who are rock bottom in the Premier League table. His fellow colleague Marcos Rojo came on as a substitute to replace Chris Smalling on Saturday.
Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof were starting to produce solid defensive displays by forming a formidable partnership at the back, but Jose Mourinho will be forced to make shift changes at the back every now and then.
Two years ago, Chris Smalling suffered the same kind of foot injury which kept him out for more than two months. Mourinho should be precautious about this situation, and not rush him when he is not completely free from the injury.
After the game against Valencia, the Red Devils will take on Liverpool in an entertaining fixture at Anfield on Sunday. The Portuguese manager is looking to keep him fully fit for the clash against the league leaders.
Along with Smalling, the likes of Antony Martial, Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young, David De Gea, and Nemanja Matic are proposed to be rested having already qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League.
On the other hand, Eric Bailly has been passed fit by the Red Devils medical department for the upcoming Champions League clash.
Andreas Pereira is expected to be included in the line-up against his former side. Withal, Paul Pogba, Marcos Rojo, Sergio Romero and Eric Bailly are anticipated to start at the Mestalla on Tuesday.
Jose Mourinho has been constrained to work with limited options namely – Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo.
There is a doubt mark over the amount of quality available in the centre-back department. Hence, he wanted a centre-back in the summer transfer window, but they were not able to lure Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld or Diego Godin to Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager would like to add another defender to strengthen the backbone and cut down the leakage of goals.
Chris Smalling has been crucial to Manchester United’s defence in recent weeks, his absence would take a toil at the back following the shaky start of the other defenders alongside him. Liverpool are flying high, and Cardiff City have found their mojo to secure points week in week out. Next two weeks will be crucial for Manchester United’s top four hopes as the festive period beckons.
