Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training for Manchester United, handing manager Michael Carrick a boost ahead of the Premier League trip to Chelsea. The midfielder has missed the last four games with a muscular issue but is now in contention to feature at Stamford Bridge.
Midfield and defensive updates
In Mainoo's absence, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba have been deployed in midfield, with Baleba recovering from an ankle injury. United have missed the England international's composure, but Saturday's clash could come too soon for him to start.
Injuries elsewhere have forced some players out of position, with Diogo Dalot used at left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw. The 31-year-old limped off in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham and seemingly remains unavailable after not being spotted at Carrington on Wednesday.
Rashford and Sesko status
Marcus Rashford, who has been dealing with a hip injury, was also not pictured but has been doing individual work in the gym. Carrick has hinted he is close to returning, but the same cannot be said for Benjamin Sesko.
The 23-year-old striker has been dealing with a persistent shin complaint since May and, according to The Athletic, will remain on the sidelines until 2027. United's medical staff have been looking into the best course of treatment, with prolonged rest deemed necessary for the problem to heal.
Given the pressure on his job, Carrick may not get to use Sesko again, even though United chiefs have decided he will have the chance to turn things round despite back-to-back heavy defeats.
Club confirmation and other absentees
The club confirmed Sesko would be undergoing tests in mid-September after the defeat to Brighton, and that was still Carrick's update one month later. He said: "Ben is kind of still undergoing a couple of checks before we update on timelines. We're just trying to be clear with what that looks like. He's still a little bit further away, but when we know, we'll let you know."
Patrick Dorgu was absent for both of those games, with his last United appearance coming in the 1-1 draw against Fulham in late September after suffering a hamstring injury during the international break. Manuel Ugarte is a long-term absentee after picking up a serious knee injury during the World Cup.
United's weekend opponents also have injury problems, with captain Reece James, Emiliano Martinez and Joao Pedro ruled out. Maxence Lacroix also looks set to miss out after limping off in the Carabao Cup fourth round clash against Liverpool with a hamstring problem. Pep Chavarria and Jamie Gittens are also recovering from injuries.
Emmanuel Emegha has missed the last few weeks but made his return off the bench at Anfield. Cole Palmer was sent off in the league last weekend but has served his suspension in the cup and is thus available.
