Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Eric Bailly set for a spell on the sidelines thanks to COVID-19
According to The Mirror, Manchester United will be without defender Eric Bailly for the immediate future after the centre-back tested positive for COVID-19.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that the 26-year-old will be absent for a little time. He was absent from the side that faced off against Brighton yesterday night.
Bailly was away on international duty with Ivory Coast. He featured in both of his country’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger and Ethiopia in March.
“With Eric, unfortunately he won’t be with us for a little while.”
Solskjaer confirmed that the defender will miss this week’s twin header against Granada and Tottenham Hotspur. With games coming thick and fast, Bailly’s absence will reduce the options available at the back for Solskjaer.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof started against Brighton and look set to continue in the Ivorian’s absence. Given what is at stake, it is difficult to see Solskjaer go with anyone but the experienced duo.
Solskjaer confirmed that Bailly is yet to arrive in England. The 26-year-old is the third United star to test positive this season. Both Paul Pogba and Alex Telles had earlier experienced the same setback.
“He’s been away with the Ivory Coast and tested positive for COVID, so unfortunately he’s not back in the country yet.”
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Bailly on his day is an excellent defender. However, his time at Old Trafford has been punctured by injuries. With his contract expiring in 2022, his future at the club remains unclear.
United are said to be open to an exit for the player and have put a price tag of £17m drawing attention from Serie A giants Inter Milan.
