At least nine players will be absent when Manchester United welcome Ipswich Town to Old Trafford on Sunday. Manager Michael Carrick is determined to secure his team's first victory of the season following a 2-0 defeat away to Hull City in their opening Premier League match.
New signing Baleba forced to wait
Since the loss at the MKM Stadium, United have announced the £70million signing of Carlos Baleba from Brighton. However, the midfielder is forced to wait to make his debut after picking up an injury in pre-season.
Carrick confirmed the £37million signing Amad will miss the visit of the Tractor Boys as the Ivorian continues recovering from a minor injury sustained in training. Amad also missed the Hull loss. When asked for an update, Carrick said: "Amad won't be involved, he'll be out for a little bit longer."
Mason Mount will similarly remain sidelined for the match against the East Anglians. Carrick provided optimism regarding his condition, saying: "Mase is back around the group, he trained this week, so a real positive."
De Ligt and Heaton also out
The United boss also confirmed that new signing Baleba is unlikely to be fit enough to feature. Carrick said: "He's got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, three weeks. We knew that before. It's no major issue. It'll be great to have him back."
Long-term injury absentee Matthijs De Ligt remains sidelined but is edging closer to full fitness. Carrick offered an update on the Dutchman, saying: "Matta's obviously been out for a long period of time. But he's training and it's great to have him back. He won't be involved, but he's in good shape and moving in a good direction, so that's a good bonus for us really, at this stage, to have him back."
Reserve goalkeeper Tom Heaton will also sit out the match after picking up an injury during the pre-season friendly against PSG. Carrick is yet to place a timeframe on the shot-stopper's return.
Ipswich absentees
Ipswich are without four players. Jaden Philogene is sidelined with an ankle problem and was absent for the victory over Sunderland. Florentino Luis is ruled out with a calf injury, having also missed the encounter against the Black Cats. Azor Matusiwa, another absentee from last week, will once again be unavailable with a thigh complaint.
