Chris Smalling's fitness is the subject of confusion after claims the defender has a broken toe that rules him out for at least a month were denied by Manchester United.

Along with Luke Shaw, Smalling made himself unavailable for last Sunday's 3-1 victory at Swansea City, leading to José Mourinho criticising the 26-year-old before and after the game. "Smalling doesn't feel that he can play 100per cent with his pain, Luke Shaw told me this morning that he was not in the condition to play, so we had to build a defensive line," the manager said. "In every sport – and I know because I have friends and they play at the highest level in other sports – how many times you play and you are not 100per cent. To compete you have to go to the limits. It's a cultural thing for some and that's not my culture."

Claims have since emerged that Smalling has broken a toe in two places, with reports and sources close to the player stating that this is indeed the case. However, when this was put to United a partial denial was given, leaving the precise situation regarding Smalling unclear.

If he is ruled out for at least a month, Smalling faces a fight to play again before Christmas. Eric Bailly, his regular central defensive partner, is also recovering from a long-term knee injury so Phil Jones may be given the chance to re-establish himself.

The 24-year-old’s start at Swansea was his first appearance since January 2nd, due to successive injuries.

(Guardian service)