Jose Mourinho has been left embarrassed by his decision to question Chris Smalling's fitness after the defender was ruled out for at least a month.

Mourinho told MUTV after United beat Swansea last Sunday that Smalling 'doesn't feel that he can play 100 per cent without pain'.

However, it has now emerged after further tests that Smalling has broken a toe so badly in two places that he will be absent for the next four weeks – and may not play again before Christmas.

Defender Chris Smalling could be out until Christmas after suffering a badly broken toe

Smalling has broken his toe in two places, leaving Manchester United short in defence

Jose Mourinho asked Smalling to have injections in his foot to get through the game at Chelsea

Mourinho asked Smalling to have two injections in his foot to get through the Premier League game at Chelsea on October 23 and the Portuguese described his efforts as being 'phenomenal'.

The England defender has not played for United since; Mourinho wanted to play Smalling at The Liberty Stadium but the injury was causing such discomfort he could not give a positive answer.

Mourinho singled out Smalling and Shaw last weekend, questioning their 'bravery', but he now has significant cause to regret those comments.

Mourinho singled out Smalling and Luke Shaw last weekend, questioning their 'bravery'

Smalling's injury setback could not have come at a worse time for United manager Mourinho

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Smalling will now miss at least seven matches, including key Premier League fixtures against Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham and the League Cup quarter-final with West Ham.

The setback could not have come at a worse time for Mourinho, who is also without Eric Bailly, his £30million signing from Villarreal. He will be absent for at least another month with knee ligament damage.

Phil Jones has returned to provide some cover but Mourinho will look to strength his squad during the January window, with Atletico Madrid's Jose Giminez and Benfica's Victor Lindelof potential options.