Manchester United Chris Smalling taken to Bali hospital for food poisoning

Chris Smalling has been in hospital in Bali, Indonesia with food poisoning which led to him fainting, his club Manchester United said in a statement.

Reports earlier on Monday said United were investigating after a picture of Smalling on a hospital bed surfaced on social media, and a club statement was released giving the official reason.

The statement added that Smalling is “now feeling fine” and that the player thanked everyone for their support. Smalling has been in Bali on holiday ahead of reporting back for preseason training later this month.

United players who have been involved in the European Championship will return to the club later than those not involved. Players who were not given delayed holidays, after international duty, begin work this week with new manager Jose Mourinho.

The 26-year-old had played the full 90 minutes in all four of England’s matches at the European Championship in France before going away to the Indonesian island.

During the tournament, his fitness had also been in the spotlight when he was pictured with an ice pack on a knee following a training session, as England prepared to face Russia in their opening match.

Smalling’s physicality has already been tested over the past year, having been a regular starter for United during a busy campaign, playing in 55 matches for the club in all competitions.