Kobbie Mainoo has been included in Manchester United's squad to face Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend. The midfielder returned to full training on Wednesday morning, a day before Michael Carrick confirmed at his pre-Chelsea press conference that Mainoo was in contention to make the trip to the capital.
Squad news and absentees
Carrick did not mention Marcus Rashford or Luke Shaw when he spoke to the media, and neither player was spotted travelling with the squad as they took the train from Stockport Station on Friday afternoon. Rashford has been dealing with hip and thigh issues; he was named in the squad against Leeds at Elland Road but was absent in the following game against Como in the Champions League.
Shaw last played against Tottenham on October 10. When Carrick last spoke about the defender's recovery from injury, he suggested that Shaw would return not long after Mainoo had returned to action.
Longer-term absentees and recent form
Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu remain longer-term absentees as they recover from their respective injuries. Sesko is set to be out until at least January, while United have not clarified Dorgu's timeframe for a return.
Carrick has been boosted by Mainoo's return to the squad at a time when he needs results. The Reds were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth last weekend, prompting United's decision-makers to weigh up his future. United won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in April, as Carrick moved closer to guiding the club back into the Champions League.
Full squad to face Chelsea
Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Heaton, Mee. Defenders: Maguire, Martinez, De Ligt, Heaven, Yoro, Dalot, Mazraoui. Midfielders: Fernandes, Baleba, Mainoo, Mount, Santos, Tielemans. Attackers: Mbeumo, Amad, Cunha, Lacey, Zirkzee.
