Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho hopes to make the most of Eric Bailly's return.

Bailly's return to action after six weeks out with a knee injury is a timely boost ahead of the festive period, but Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling remain absent.

Neither will be fit to face Spurs on Sunday, with Mourinho now hoping centre-back Smalling can return from his foot issue before Bailly heads off to the African Nations Cup with the Ivory Coast in January.

"(Bailly) is a big loss but we know that, so let's hope that Smalling can recover in time to replace him in the squad," he said.

"With so many matches, we need players. In this moment, I think we have (Phil) Jones, Bailly and Marcos (Rojo).

"Okay, we play Tottenham, we play Crystal Palace, West Bromwich, Reading, semi-finals, West Ham away - in that period we have lots of matches and it's important to have more options.

"I think (Smalling will be back by the) end of the year, by Christmas."