Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday evening as the Premier League resumes after the international break, with several first-team players facing fitness races for the clash.
The top flight has been paused for an extended three-week period due to the September and October international fixtures. Before the break, United were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham, having previously suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the derby.
A slow start to the season has already increased the pressure on Michael Carrick, with United winning just one of their opening five league matches, while drawing two and losing two. Carrick will be targeting a much-needed victory against Spurs, who have endured an even tougher start under Roberto De Zerbi. Spurs currently sit bottom of the table with just two points to their name after losing three of their opening fixtures.
Carlos Baleba and Kobbie Mainoo
Carlos Baleba is still awaiting his first competitive appearance since completing a £70million move from Brighton in the summer, although he did feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly game against Lausanne-Sport. The Cameroonian is dealing with an ankle issue, with a potential return date of Saturday's match against Tottenham.
Kobbie Mainoo is managing an unspecified problem and load management. He was one of the players to withdraw from international duty before the start of the break, with a potential return date of Saturday's game against Spurs.
Benjamin Sesko and Marcus Rashford
Benjamin Sesko missed the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton before the international break but was taken off in the second half and subsequently withdrew from the Slovenia squad due to a shin injury. "I am very sorry that I will have to miss the national team's upcoming matches. I have always played for Slovenia - and always will - with heart and pride," he wrote on Instagram. "Right now, the most important thing is to focus fully on my recovery. I am already working on getting back on the pitch as soon as possible to help both the national team and my club once again." His potential return date is late October or early November.
Marcus Rashford's outing against Fulham was cut short after he was substituted, with the player later withdrawing from international duty with England. Carrick said: "We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I'm not sure [if he's alright]." His potential return date is Saturday's match against Tottenham.
Defenders and goalkeepers
Patrick Dorgu's involvement against Wales lasted only half an hour before he was replaced, and he has since withdrawn from Denmark duty for the rest of the international break due to a thigh injury. His return date is unknown. Matthijs de Ligt has been a long-term absentee with a back injury but could be closing in on a return. Carrick said: "Matta is just working his way back, really. So I don't want to, because of how it's been, put too much of a timeframe on it." His potential return date is November.
Noussair Mazraoui picked up a potential injury setback while on international duty, having been withdrawn during Morocco's win over Lesotho. The severity of the injury is not yet known, and his return date is unknown. Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay at the World Cup this summer, with his return date also unknown.
Karl Darlow has not yet featured following a minor procedure in the off-season, while he has also withdrawn from Wales duty during the international break. His potential return date is October. Tom Heaton sustained a hamstring injury ahead of the start of the season, with his return date unknown.
Amad
Amad is yet to feature this season due to a knock he suffered on the eve of the Premier League opener against Hull City. He has, however, hinted that a return may not be far away. Carrick said: "Amad, hopefully, by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group. That's a positive." His potential return date is Saturday's match against Tottenham.
