Eric Bailly will be out of action for up to three months after Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho revealed the defender needed ankle surgery.
The 23-year-old Ivory Coast international has not played since the match against Chelsea on 5 November.
Mourinho told MUTV: "He goes to surgery, the decision is made. I don't say (he's out) for the rest of the season but it's for the next two or three months."
Bailly's absence leaves the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and Victor Lindelof to cover United's central defensive area, but with the transfer window moving into view Mourinho has other options too.
The Portuguese is not approaching the prospect with any great enthusiasm but admits he could be tempted to do business if the right individuals came along.
"I'm not a big defender of the January market but there are players and situations that sometimes you have the chance to do and you shouldn't lose that chance," he said.
"I don't like the January market just to buy but if you can buy in January a player that you would buy in June or July and you have the chance to get him a few months before then great, but just that."
