Manchester United handed double defensive boost ahead of West Brom clash

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that defender Chris Smalling will return to the squad for the Premier League fixture with West Bromwich Albion.

Smalling has been absent since United succumbed to a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea on October 23, but the England international has recovered from injury in time for the trip to The Hawthorns.

The 27-year-old could take the place of teammate Eric Bailly, who suffered a knock during United's 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

However, Mourinho has told MUTV that the 22-year-old's injury is not serious and it appears that he could be available for the club's fixtures over the Christmas period.

Bailly had been making his first start since suffering an injury to his knee earlier this season.