Chris Smalling head injury: Manchester United defender pictured after fainting following bout of food poisoning

Unconfirmed reports had previously suggested he had been stung by a jellyfish

Chris Smalling, it is alleged, is pictured with a neck brace on and a bandage around his head (Twitter)

Manchester United have confirmed Chris Smalling has fallen ill while on holiday in Bali after pictures emerged on social media of him receiving medical treatment.

The 26-year-old appears was pictured with a neck brace and a bandage around his head as he signed a United shirt.

Smalling is believed to have jetted off to the Indonesian island to relax after England’s Euro 2016 campaign in France this summer.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Manchester United can clarify Chris Smalling has had food poisoning during his holiday which resulted in him fainting on Sunday.

"The 26-year-old defender was taken to the hospital and is now feeling fine. Smalling is currently on vacation following his time with England at Euro 2016 before reporting back for pre-season training later this month."

Unconfirmed reports had previously suggested he had been stung by a jellyfish during surfing lessons.

Another image of Smalling later emerged, appearing to show a large cut above his right eye.

The former Fulham defender was considered one of the better performers for United during a season which ended with the club eventually lifting the FA Cup at Wembley in May.