The centre-half has been named in Ivory Coast’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament in Gabon runs from January 14 until February 5, leaving Jose Mourinho optimistic of having £30m summer signing Bailly available to play at West Ham tomorrow.
However, Manchester United have been told their 22-year-old star needs to meet up with his team-mates on the same day the Red Devils travel to the London Stadium.
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Eric Bailly has played just three of Manchester United's last 10 Premier League games
Ivory Coast say they want [Bailly] on January 2. We ask for January 3, they say no
“Ivory Coast say they want him on January 2. We ask for January 3, they say no."
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United do not have any other players heading to AFCON, but Bailly’s loss will be felt.
Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are set to compete for the two centre-back slots during January.
And Mourinho has been impressed by the latter two’s form, which is said to have convinced him not to make a move for Benfica’s Victor Lindelof in the transfer window.