Carlos Baleba could be available to make his Manchester United debut within the next three weeks, according to manager Michael Carrick, though he stopped short of guaranteeing the £70m signing will feature before the September international break.
Injury and expected return
United completed the signing of the 22-year-old from Brighton this week, but he sustained an ankle ligament injury during the summer and will not be available for Sunday's match against Ipswich.
United's final fixture before a three-week international break is at Fulham on September 20. In the week prior, there is a potential reunion with Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round at Old Trafford.
“He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, three weeks. It’s no major issue. It’ll be great to have him back,” said Carrick.
Manager's confidence in new signing
Baleba has been on United's radar for over a year, and Carrick is confident the midfielder has the qualities to make an impact at Old Trafford once fit for selection.
“We’re delighted to have Carlos,” he said. “Huge potential, he’s a really exciting signing for us, the quality he has, the attributes he has offset the balance of the group we’ve got. Different strengths, different combinations. So much more to come from him as well, so it’s exciting for us.”
