Seven Manchester United players could be ruled out of the side’s weekend clash against Arsenal as manager Jose Mourinho faces a mounting injury crisis at the club.

Centre-halves Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are both unavailable through injury. The former is not expected back until at least Christmas after sustaining knee ligament damage during his side’s 4-0 defeat by Chelsea last month.

The Ivorian has impressed under Mourinho and his presence in United's backline has been sorely missed.

As for Smalling, the true extent of the player’s injury – an alleged broken toe – remains clouded in confusion. United have partially denied the reports and played down the severity of Smalling’s injury to The Independent, without confirming how long the centre-back will remain absent for.

This follows Mourinho’s recent remarks in which he controversially questioned the commitment shown by Smalling and full-back Luke Shaw.

Manchester United injury news Show all 5 1 /5 Manchester United injury news Manchester United injury news Ander Herrera (hamstring) Return date not yet known. Getty Images Manchester United injury news Phil Jones (ankle) Return date not yet known. Manchester United injury news Michael Carrick (ankle) Could play this weekend. Manchester United injury news Antonio Valencia (ankle/ foot) Out for a lengthy period, possibly February. Getty Manchester United injury news Luke Shaw (broken leg) Expected to be out until at least April.

Shaw is similarly in doubt having been hampered by pains in the right leg he broke last season. The Englishman, who uploaded a video of himself working on his fitness over the weekend break, is likely to undergo more rigorous assessment on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Antonio Valenica’s broken arm continues to keep the Ecuadorian out of Mourinho’s match day squads, completing the quartet of defensive causalities the club faces.

Further up the field, Marouane Fellaini continues to struggle to recover from a calf injury he picked up during United’s 3-1 win over Swansea while Wayne Rooney’s swollen knee is likely to keep him sidelined.

The United captain was withdrawn from the England camp on Monday afternoon and is being assessed to determine his fitness.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic misses Saturday’s crunch match due to suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Swansea two weekends ago.