Bailly's 'serious' ankle injury may require surgery, says Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho expressed fears that Eric Bailly may need surgery to repair a "serious" ankle injury.

Bailly has missed United's past eight matches across all competitions while undergoing "conservative" treatment.

But Mourinho seemed to suggest after Wednesday's 1-0 win over Bournemouth that Bailly could face an even longer spell on the sidelines.

"I think it's serious. We are trying conservative treatment, but if the conservative treatment is not working, he might have a surgery procedure," the Portuguese told reporters, including The Telegraph's James Ducker.

United has won all but two of its matches since Bailly withdrew from contention, with Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Victor Lindelof alternating in defence.

A £30-million signing from Villarreal last year, Bailly was supposed to create a foundation at the back. Injuries have instead limited the Ivory Coast international to 33 Premier League appearances out of a possible 55.