Manchester United news: Eric Bailly out for two months with knee injury

The defender picked up the injury during his side's humiliating 4-0 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday

Bailly, pictured with a knee brace, sent a message to his fans on Instagram confirming the news (Eric Bailly/Instagram) (Getty)

Manchester United’s Eric Bailly has confirmed that he will be out of the game for at least two months after sustaining a long-term injury against Chelsea on Sunday.

Bailly was brought off during the 52nd minute of Sunday’s match after pulling up with a knee injury as United went on to loss 4-0 to Antonio Conte’s Chelsea.

United manager Jose Mourinho confirmed after the game: “He is injured and I am afraid he is badly injured.

“In his knee, in the ligament area. He feels that it is really bad.”

Bailly’s injury marks the latest set-back for Mourinho’s side who were humiliated at Stamford Bridge.

United have struggled to find any consistent form throughout the season so far but Bailly has been one the side’s few redeeming players. His absence will come as a huge loss to the United defence.

“I wanted to thank you for all the messages of support that I received since the injury!” he wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

“I hope to be able to play again for United and The Elephants before 2 months, God willing. Thanks for always being there.”

After undergoing a number of medical tests after Sunday’s game, the news was confirmed to Bailly on Tuesday who could now miss as many as 12 upcoming games over the next two months.

The Ivorian defender will be absent for a number of big clashes, including key Premier League fixtures against Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham.

Bailly is expected to make his return for the Christmas period but with the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in January, Mourinho could be deprived of the 22-year-old’s services for much of the winter months.