Marouane Fellaini doubt for Arsenal clash after suffering ankle injury

Marouane Fellaini has returned to Manchester United after pulling out of international duty with Belgium after he suffered an ankle injury and will be monitored by the club's medical staff. The extent of the injury is not known at the moment, and Jose Mourinho will be hoping that it is minor as they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on 19 November.

The former Everton midfielder had joined his national team for their upcoming friendly against the Netherlands on Wednesday (9 November) and their World Cup qualifying clash against Estonia on 13 November. He is unlikely to play a part in either match owing to the injury he picked up during United's 3-1 win over Swansea City prior to the international break.

"Fellaini picked up an injury against Swansea City and will go back to his club. We have a core of 24 players which is enough," Belgium manager Roberto Martinez told reporters ahead of their game against the Dutch, reported via their official Twitter account.

It will come as a big blow to United, as the Belgian midfielder has been an integral part of Mourinho's team since the start of the season. He has been deployed in midfield alongside Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera and the manager will be hoping that he gets fit for the Gunners visit.

The Red Devils will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the game as well after the striker picked up his fifth booking of the campaign, which will see him serve a one-game ban. The loss of Fellaini could see Herrera partner Michael Carrick in the deep lying midfield role, but the physicality of the Belgium international will be missed, especially with Arsenal known for their weakness in defending set pieces.