Manchester United have been dealt a major blow after it emerged that central defender Eric Bailly will be out for two months after through injury.

Bailly pulled up with a knee problem during the humiliating 4-0 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and subsequent medical tests have forecast a two month spell on the sidelines. Sportsmail understands that Bailly has suffered a lateral knee ligament injury.

Bailly, a £30m summer signing from Villarreal, has made an excellent start to life at Old Trafford and this is another significant setback as Jose Mourinho's side struggle for form.

Eric Bailly took to Instagram on Tuesday thanking everyone for supporting him in his recovery

Bailly will miss the next two months of Manchester United's season due to a knee injury

Bailly suffered a lateral knee ligament injury during United's 4-0 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday

The news will come as a huge blow to United who could be without Bailly for upto 12 games

GAMES ERIC BAILLY COULD MISS FOR MANCHESTER UNITED Oct 26 - Manchester City - EFL Cup (H) Oct 29 - Burnley - Premier League (H) Nov 3 - Fenerbahce - Europa League (A) Nov 6 - Swansea - Premier League (A) Nov 19 - Arsenal - Premier League (H) Nov 24 - Feyenoord - Europa League (H) Nov 27 - West Ham - Premier League (H) Dec 4 - Everton - Premier League (A) Dec 8 - Zorya - Europa League (A) Dec 11 - Tottenham - Premier League (H) Dec 14 - C. Palace - Premier League (A) Dec 17 - West Brom - Premier League (A) Advertisement

'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!'

The news was confirmed to Bailly on Tuesday and he could miss as many as 12 upcoming games over the next two months, including key Premier League games against Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham.

It is hoped that Bailly may return a little earlier if his recovery goes fully to plan but the initial prediction by the medical staff is two months, which would see Bailly back in the United team for the hectic Christmas period.

Bailly is also expected to go to the Africa Cup of Nations in January and United therefore face the prospect of being deprived of their best centre-back for much of the winter months.