Man United And Ivory Coast Dealt Bailly Injury Blow

By Max Wise

Manchester United and the Ivorian national team have been dealt a huge injury blow with the news that defender Eric Bailly has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Bailly, who was starting his first Premier League game since early February, sustained the injury in the second half of the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday after a collision with Mateo Kovacic.

Bailly will now miss the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Egypt which is scheduled to run from June 21 to July 19.

A statement on Manchester United's website read: 'We can confirm that Manchester United defender Eric Bailly suffered a medial ligament injury on his right knee during Sunday’s Premier League match against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

'The problem means that the Ivory Coast international will not play for the Reds again this season, missing the remaining top-flight matches against Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City.

'Furthermore, Bailly is also now unable to play in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament.'

Bailly was Jose Mourinho’s first signing as Manchester United manager in the summer of 2016 for a transfer fee of £30m from Spanish La Liga side Villarreal.

The 25-year-old has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United this season, and was part the side that won the Europa League in 2017.

Ivory Coast have been drawn in the same group with Morocco, South Africa and Namibia for the African Cup of Nations, and Bailly’s absence will rid them of one member of their Nations Cup triumph in 2015.