Matthijs de Ligt could make his long-awaited return for Manchester United against Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils visit the La Liga outfit in the Champions League on Tuesday on matchday two of this season's league phase.
Carrick confirms defender's availability
Michael Carrick's side got off to a winning start on their return to Europe's top table, beating minnows Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford last month. Now, they have been handed an additional boost, with centre-back De Ligt - somewhat of a forgotten man - returning after almost a year out with a back problem that he picked up against Crystal Palace.
The Dutchman also travelled with his team-mates to Fulham before the international break, but he did not make the matchday squad on that occasion. Belief was building at Carrington when he featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against sister club Lausanne-Sport, and now, Carrick has confirmed the defender could feature in the Spanish capital.
Carrick's confidence in De Ligt
"I'm definitely comfortable with him playing," Carrick said during the pre-match press conference. "Of course, there is the element of when that time is and how much it is. He played a little bit of the Lausanne [friendly] game and he's done a fair bit of training but, of course, we're working our way through it."
"So it's not too much, too soon. I've definitely got the confidence in him, no doubt about that."
Injury blows for United
United, however, have been dealt a double injury blow in the build-up to the game, with Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw left at home. Carrick confirmed on Monday evening that the pair had picked up knocks in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham, and as such, they would both be ruled out against Atletico.
United are sat in 12th in the Premier League after a stuttering start to the campaign, and scrutiny only intensified on Carrick after Dominic Solanke's late equaliser at Old Trafford salvaged a share of the spoils for Roberto De Zerbi's ten men.
