Manchester United travel to Merseyside on Sunday to face Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but Michael Carrick will have to contend with a number of player injuries for the trip. The Reds have had a mixed start to the season thus far, losing 2-0 to Hull City in their opener before running riot over Ipswich Town with a 5-2 win.
Everton unbeaten so far
And while Carrick will look for more consistency going forward, with the club well-placed to compete in the Premier League this term, this weekend's clash with Everton will not be without its challenges. The Toffees are unbeaten this season so far, having enjoyed a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on opening day, as well as a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth last weekend.
To make matters worse, United will also be without a number of key players for their trip, with various starters still recovering from respective injuries. Here, the MEN breaks down all of the latest injury news and return dates...
Luke Shaw and Mason Mount boost
Luke Shaw was forced off 73 minutes into United's match with Ipswich as a result of muscle tightness. However there are no major concerns over the left-back, who should be fine to start against Everton. Potential return date: Sunday, September 6 vs Everton (A).
Mason Mount picked up a foot injury during United's pre-season run, and has been sidelined since. However, Carrick has now suggested that the attacking-midfielder is back in training and could be involved against Everton. He said: "Mase is back around the group, which was great. Trained this week, so that’s a big positive for us." Potential return date: Sunday, September 6 vs Everton (A).
Baleba, Amad and others still out
Carlos Baleba was snapped up from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer in a deal worth up to £70million. However, the 22-year-old is yet to feature for Carrick's first-team. The Cameroonian suffered a minor ankle ligament injury in pre-season and continues to be unavailable for selection as a result. Speaking about Baleba's issue at the end of August, Carrick said: "He's got a little ankle issue. So, maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks, we'll see. But we knew that before, so it's no major issue. It’ll be great to have him back when we can." Potential return date: Mid-to-late September.
Amad has also been absent for United this season as a result of a muscular injury picked up in training. It is unknown as to when the winger will be back in action. Potential return date: Unknown.
Matthijs De Ligt has failed to feature for United since last November as a result of a back injury. While Carrick has recently made it clear that the Dutch centre-half has returned to training, that the club are in no rush to force a return. He said last month: "Matt’s obviously been out for a long period of time, but he’s training and great to have him back. He’s in good shape and moving in a good direction. So that’s really a good bonus for us, at this stage to have him back." Potential return date: Unknown.
Tom Heaton also sustained a hamstring injury in pre-season. It is unknown when the goalkeeper will return. Potential return date: Unknown.
Manuel Ugarte sustained a ligament tear in his knee at the World Cup this summer, while on international duty for Uruguay. He is not expected to return until next year. Potential return date: Spring/Summer 2027.
