Seven Manchester United players to miss Arsenal clash as Mourinho orders review

Manchester United could be without seven key players for this weekend's crunch clash with Arsenal, with the entire first-choice backline set to be absent for the Red Devils. Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are sure to miss the tie with injuries, while Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw are major doubts for the fixture.

The Telegraph reports that Jose Mourinho has called for a review of the team's medical facilities following the injury crisis, with his team languishing in sixth spot after 11 games. A loss against Arsenal for Mourinho's men, his first against Arsene Wenger in the league, would be a massive blow to their chances of coming back in the title race.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be absent following a suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Swansea City. Marouane Fellaini is recovering from a calf injury while Wayne Rooney missed England's games in the international break after being dealt a setback on the injury front. The striker is a doubt for the weekend fixture and will be assessed on Friday before a decision is taken on his fitness.

Meanwhile, Antonio Valencia is back in training for the Red Devils, but may be short for the game against Arsenal, while Shaw has reported pain in the leg that he broke last season. Phil Jones is set to return to the first eleven and is likely to be partnered by Daley Blind at the back, who has previously been used at left-back in the absence of Shaw.

A loss for Mourinho would open up a nine-point difference with the Gunners, who are currently two points adrift of Liverpool at the top of the table. United have already lost 4-0 to Chelsea and 2-1 to Manchester City this season and will be desperate to avoid another defeat against a top four rival this time around.