Manchester United face a nervous wait over several injury concerns ahead of their Premier League return against Tottenham. The club still have nearly a fortnight remaining before they return to Premier League action, with their next match at home to Tottenham on October 10.
Numerous United players have joined up with their international sides during the prolonged break, a move that has already produced fresh fitness concerns. Michael Carrick has been forced to cope with multiple United players being sidelined through injury during the opening weeks of the season, and he will be hoping the situation improves following the international window.
Mazraoui and Rashford fitness concerns
United received an unwelcome fitness setback on Tuesday when Noussair Mazraoui was forced off during Morocco's victory over Lesotho. Mazraoui left the pitch after treatment for an undisclosed fitness issue, and it remains unclear whether this will rule the United defender out once the international break concludes. His potential return date is unknown.
Marcus Rashford pulled out of the England squad at the beginning of the international break, having been taken off with a fitness complaint during United's draw with Fulham earlier this month. Carrick said: "We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I'm not sure [if he's alright]." His potential return date is the Tottenham match on October 10.
Mainoo, Dorgu and Fernandes updates
Kobbie Mainoo was also named in the England squad by Thomas Tuchel but was withdrawn at the start of the international break. Whether the midfielder will be fit and available when Premier League action resumes next month remains to be seen. His potential return date is the Tottenham match on October 10.
Patrick Dorgu delivered another injury concern to United after being substituted during Denmark's victory over Wales at the weekend. Dorgu was taken off with a suspected injury during the Nations League fixture in Copenhagen, leaving his availability for United's return to action very much in doubt. His potential return date is unknown.
Bruno Fernandes sat out Portugal's victory over Norway at the weekend due to injury, but could feature on Thursday when his nation takes on Denmark. Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said: "In the game against Wales, we went in with all the available players but Bruno Fernandes came off with a complicated problem."
"We'll see what happens until tomorrow. Experience tells me that on the third day not all players manage to recover but that's the same for Norway as for us. However, the player who comes in gives as many guarantees as the one who might come off, that's what I'll base my decision on."
"The [Fernandes] case involves treatment and recovery time. He's coming off an injury at United, and he told me he's been playing with that pain for the last three games, which is hindering him." "It was one of the factors that prevented Bruno from playing at his best against Wales. I've already spoken to him and I prefer not to risk it in this game so he's fully fit for the Denmark match." His potential return date is the Tottenham match on October 10.
Sesko, Amad and other absentees
Benjamin Sesko pulled out of the Slovenia squad after missing United's draw with Fulham through injury. Whether the striker will be available when United resume action following the international break remains uncertain. Carrick said: "He just felt a little bit of pain after the game the other night [vs Brighton]. We're assessing that. Hopefully, it's not too bad, but we will have to see." His potential return date is unknown.
Amad Diallo is yet to make an appearance for United this season as a result of a pre-season injury. Carrick previously voiced optimism that Amad will return to training during the international break, with the player himself posting a teasing image on Instagram hinting at an imminent comeback. Carrick said: "Amad, hopefully, by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group. That's a positive." His potential return date is the Tottenham match on October 10.
Matthijs de Ligt has been absent from United's lineup since November of last year due to a back injury, though he has been intensifying his rehabilitation in recent weeks. Carrick said: "Matta is just working his way back, really. So I don't want to, because of how it's been, put too much of a timeframe on it." His potential return date is unknown.
Manuel Ugarte sustained a serious knee injury during the World Cup and subsequently underwent surgery. The midfielder is unlikely to be fit until next year, and whether he will make an appearance before the season ends remains uncertain. His potential return date is unknown.
Karl Darlow was pulled from the Wales squad at the beginning of the international break, leaving it unclear whether the summer recruit will be fit for the upcoming clash against Tottenham next month. His potential return date is the Tottenham match on October 10.
Tom Heaton picked up an injury prior to the Premier League season getting underway, preventing the goalkeeper from making a single matchday squad appearance so far this campaign. His potential return date is unknown.
