Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been rushed to a hospital in Bali after the defender started feeling uneasy, lost consciousness and fell down, hitting his head in the process. Smalling’s employers Manchester United issued a notice and confirmed that the defender fainted due to the effects of food poisoning in the Indonesian city.
The statement read: "We can clarify Chris Smalling has had food poisoning during his holiday which resulted in him fainting on Sunday. He was taken to hospital and is now feeling fine." Sources close to SkySports report that contrary to what has been reported, the entire incident did not involve any accidents due to surfing or jellyfish stings.
The Manchester United man was photographed with a bandage on his head, neck and left hand, with what looked like a severe accident due to surfing. It was also reported that he fainted due to a jellyfish sting. The defender was seen signing autographs on United shirts for fans.
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The Englishman played 55 games for United last season, helping keep the joint best defence in England, although the team underwhelmed in total, after United finished 5th in the league, below city rivals Manchester City.
Fresh signings for Manchester United ahead of new season
Manchester United have so far acquired the services of defender Eric Bailly, forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. United have also appointed former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed from his job in December after Chelsea were hovering above the relegation zone.
Smalling was in Bali holidaying with his girlfriend – model Sam Cooke, after England got dumped in the 2016 Euros losing to minnows Iceland 2-1. The Red Devils have also confirmed that the defender will join the squad for pre-season training later in the month.
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He is expected to join his team for training on 19 July, when they touchdown in China for the friendly competition against Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City as part of the International Champions Cup.
Mourinho is all set to arrive at Carrington this week, as the team returns for training after the break. However, the players who participated in international competitions have been awarded additional holidays. The boss is expected to speak publicly for the first time as Manchester United manager on Tuesday.
