Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is without nine players for the Champions League trip to Como on Wednesday evening, as the club looks to end a run of six matches without a victory.
Carrick faces Cesc Fabregas' side with a lengthy injury list, leaving his options limited. The United boss praised the opposition in his press conference: "I have huge respect for what Cesc has done - how quickly they have risen to the heights and doing so well in the league last season."
Key absentees and expected return dates
Marcus Rashford is suffering from a hip injury, Carrick confirmed. The forward came off the bench against Leeds United but has been left behind for the Como clash. "Marcus is still feeling a hip issue we're trying to overcome," Carrick said. His potential return date is uncertain.
Benjamin Sesko's absence is set to continue, with Carrick hopeful of a clearer picture later this week. "We're hoping soon that we have a clear picture," he said. "I'm not trying to delay it, hopefully by the end of the week we will have something clearer." His potential return date is 22/11.
Luke Shaw is set to be out for weeks due to injury, with Carrick offering little detail on the full-back's recovery. His potential return date is 3/11. Kobie Mainoo is set to be out for another 10 days after suffering a muscle issue, having already missed two games this term. His potential return date is 30/10.
Defensive concerns and long-term absentees
Ayden Heaven missed the draw with Leeds at the weekend and will be absent against Como due to illness, with a potential return date of 25/10. Patrick Dorgu remains out with a thigh injury sustained during Denmark's match with Wales in the Nations League, with a potential return date of late November.
Lisandro Martinez played only 45 minutes against Leeds following his recent outburst and will miss the Como match, though the issue is not said to be significant. "Licha is not too bad but he's not with us. We'll have to see if he's ready for the weekend," Carrick told reporters. His potential return date is 25/10.
Tom Heaton suffered a hamstring injury before the season started and has not been named in a matchday squad in 2026/27, with an unknown return date. Manuel Ugarte continues to recover from a knee ligament injury suffered at the World Cup, underwent surgery over the summer, and is not expected to return until well into next year, with a potential return date of 2027.
