Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini 'out for Christmas period'

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he does not know when midfielder Marouane Fellaini will return from injury, but confirmed that the Belgian will be out for the Christmas period.

Fellaini, who missed a month of action in October after suffering a knee injury while on international duty, returned briefly to action against Basel, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 30-year-old suffered continued swelling on his knee during that period, however, and the issue has kept him sidelined since.

"[Fellaini] is not available," Mourinho told reporters.

"No, but not [available] for the Christmas period," he added, when asked about a possible timescale for the player's return.

"[Antonio] Valencia is out, as you know. Eric Bailly is having surgery right now, or just finished or is still there. Who else? Nobody else, everything is OK."

United face Leicester City on Saturday looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City.