Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is dealing with a lengthy injury list as he prepares his side for a crucial Premier League trip to Chelsea on Saturday. The club has provided updates on several key players, with mixed news ranging from a near-return for Kobbie Mainoo to a long-term absence for Manuel Ugarte.
Sesko out until January
Benjamin Sesko will be sidelined until at least January with a lingering shin injury, according to Standard Sport. The Slovenian striker's 2025/26 campaign was cut short by the same issue, and although he recovered to feature in the early games of this season, he has been absent since the international break.
Speaking before the Chelsea trip, Carrick said: "Yeah, not so positive unfortunately with Ben, he's going to be out for a period of time. We're not exactly sure yet how long, but it's going to be a significant amount of time, unfortunately."
He added: "So I feel for Ben, he had the issue at the end of last season that we looked after and tried to give him as much time to recover and then unfortunately he's had the issue coming into this season."
Mainoo close to return
Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training at Carrington after being sidelined since the draw with Tottenham. Carrick has indicated the midfielder could be involved against Chelsea.
"Yeah, it's great to have Kobbie back," Carrick said on Thursday. "He's a fantastic footballer, we know that. He hasn't trained an awful lot, he's trained a little bit, so we'll see how he is going into the weekend, but nevertheless, it's a good step for us in the right direction."
Rashford and Shaw doubts
Marcus Rashford is still struggling with a hip issue and has missed recent games, though he has been back in the gym this week and could push for involvement against Chelsea. Luke Shaw's latest injury, described only as a knock, is expected to keep him out longer than Mainoo, with a potential return in November.
Ugarte out until 2027
Manuel Ugarte remains United's longest-term absentee after suffering knee ligament damage during Uruguay's 1-0 defeat by Spain at the World Cup in June. He underwent surgery and is not expected back until spring or summer 2027.
