Manchester United face AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford this afternoon with manager Michael Carrick's job on the line, but injury concerns could limit his team selection.
Carrick delivered a passionate speech at his Friday press conference, and a defeat against Bournemouth is more than likely to end his tenure at the club. The United boss believes he is the right person to turn things around, but he needs results quickly.
After the midweek defeat to Como, Carrick may wish to make plenty of changes, but injuries may have blocked him from doing so.
Rashford and Martinez doubts
Marcus Rashford is an injury doubt for the match. He missed the trip to Como with a hip issue, and Carrick confirmed in midweek that he was struggling with the problem, though no update was provided on Friday as to how bad it is. His potential return date is October 25 against Bournemouth.
Lisandro Martinez was replaced at half-time at Elland Road and did not travel to Como. Carrick had some confidence that the centre-back could be fit to face Bournemouth this weekend, with a potential return date of October 25.
Heaven returns, others sidelined
Ayden Heaven has overcome illness to return to the group ahead of the clash with Bournemouth, as confirmed by Carrick on MUTV after his press conference. He could feature on October 25.
Benjamin Sesko is nursing a shin injury. Carrick was planning to provide an update on his fitness before the weekend, but his passionate speech and the result at Como changed those plans. An update on the striker may be given later today, with his potential return date unknown.
Kobbie Mainoo is out with a muscular issue for a further ten days, putting him in contention for next week's trip to Stamford Bridge, with a potential return date of October 31 against Chelsea.
Longer-term absentees
Luke Shaw will be out longer than Mainoo, according to United's head coach, suggesting a return in November, potentially on November 3 against AS Roma.
Patrick Dorgu picked up a thigh injury during a UEFA Nations League outing and is not expected back until November at the earliest.
Manuel Ugarte has the longest wait until he is fully fit, having suffered a serious knee injury during the World Cup, with a potential return date of 2027.
