Benjamin Sesko was absent from the Manchester United squad as they departed for tomorrow's clash against Fulham, yet Michael Carrick received a significant triple boost with Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt all making the journey to London.
United set off for the capital on Saturday afternoon, travelling by train from Stockport Station. Sources have revealed that Sesko was not among the travelling party, throwing his participation at Craven Cottage into doubt, while Baleba, Shaw and De Ligt all appear set to feature against Fulham.
Carrick's fitness update
When pressed on whether Shaw and Baleba would be fit for this weekend, Carrick responded: "There's kind of a chance with both of them. Don't know totally 100% yet. It's short-term [with Shaw], we're just working toward the game."
Sesko's absence would undoubtedly be a setback, though Carrick has previously demonstrated a preference for deploying a striker-free attack.
Squad confirmed for Fulham trip
Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Mee.
Defenders: Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro, Shaw, Dorgu, Mazraoui, Heaven, Martinez, Dalot.
Midfielders: Fernandes, Tielemans, Mount, Mainoo, Santos, Baleba.
Attackers: Lacey, Rashford, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Cunha.
Speaking ahead of the match, Carrick said: "We're looking good. Everyone's up and running Over the last week or so, pretty much everyone has played and [been] fit and we're trying to get Carlos back in."
"Well, I say back in, actually introducing him into the group. So he's done a bit of training this week and, hopefully, we'll get Luke [Shaw] back in and around it this week and look forward to a strong game on the weekend."
Baleba's return to the group
Discussing Baleba specifically, the United boss added: "Yeah, he's desperate to get started. He's bouncing around the place. It's not always easy, I think, when you come into a new club and you're not right fully in with the group, with the training."
"But he's dealt with that ever so well, I have to say. He's got great personality and he's full of enthusiasm around [the place] and pushing to get back as quickly as possible. So it's great to have him back."
United are desperate for all three points against Fulham following their defeat in the Manchester derby and a Carabao Cup third-round exit at the hands of Brighton earlier this week.
