Former Man Utd star Chris Smalling suffers setback on his first start for Porto at 36

Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has made his first start for Porto since his surprise move. He will need to wait for another.

Chris Smalling secured a surprise return to Europe with Porto, after a two-year spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Fayha.

The former Premier League winner is 36, and was not expected to make a high-profile return to Europe. With Porto, he has the chance to play in the Champions League.

Smalling made his debut for Porto earlier this month as a substitute, before being handed his first start in the Portuguese League Cup quarter-final.

It was a mixed occasion, with Porto winning 1-0 and keeping a clean sheet, but Smalling picked up an injury and had to be substituted in the 54th minute.

Now via Mais Futebol, Smalling has sustained a torn MCL and faces around a month on the sidelines. It could be worse, but it’s less than ideal for the veteran.

It means he will miss out on facing Napoli in the Champions League next week, but could return in time to face Liverpool at Anfield on December 9.

Smalling’s tough start at Porto is at least a little better than his nightmare debut for Al-Fayda in 2024. He scored an own goal in a 5-0 win before being sent off later in the game.

Chris Smalling’s career timeline

• 2007–2008:

  Maidstone United

• 2008–2010:

  Fulham

• 2010–2019:

  Manchester United

• 2019–2020:

  Roma (loan)

• 2020–2024:

  Roma

• 2024–2026:

  Al-Fayha

• 2026–present:

  FC Porto