Michael Carrick offers Carlos Baleba injury update as £65m signing prepares for debut
Michael Carrick has confirmed that Carlos Baleba, Manchester United’s recent £65m acquisition from Brighton, will likely be back in training and could make his first appearance against Tottenham in October. The Cameroon international missed the Carabao Cup clash with his former club due to an ankle…
Manchester United’s new midfield acquisition, Carlos Baleba, is on track to return to training and could make his first appearance against Tottenham Hotspur in October, according to manager Michael Carrick. The 22‑year‑old, who joined United from Brighton for an initial fee of £65 million, suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out of the Carabao Cup tie against his former club and the upcoming match against Fulham.
Baleba’s injury setback and recovery plan
Baleba’s ankle injury has kept him sidelined since his arrival, but Carrick has expressed confidence that the Cameroon international will be back in the squad in the coming week. "He’ll be back in and around the group at some point over the next week or so," Carrick said. "After the international break, he should be in good shape." The manager highlighted Baleba’s eagerness to rejoin the team: "Carlos came being injured and then he’s desperate to get out there and be part of the group and training fully with the boys."
Baleba’s return is seen as a key element in United’s midfield balance. Carrick praised the player’s quality and his ability to complement the existing midfield dynamics, noting that the signing was made precisely to address that need.
Impact on upcoming fixtures
Because of the injury, Baleba will miss the Carabao Cup match against Tottenham at Old Trafford. He will also be unavailable for the Sunday game against Fulham, a fixture that Carrick described as too soon for the 22‑year‑old. However, the manager is optimistic about his involvement in the Premier League campaign, especially after the international break when United host Tottenham and then travel to Atletico Madrid.
United’s squad will also be affected by other injury concerns. Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt are expected to remain out of the Brighton match due to ongoing fitness issues. Diallo’s recovery timeline is uncertain, while de Ligt is still working his way back from a back injury that has kept him out since November. Carrick added, "Amad’s not quite close in terms of days, but we’ll see as the week progresses. And Matta’s just working his way back, really, so because of the time frame and how it’s been, I don’t really want to put too much time frame on it."
Luke Shaw’s situation and squad depth
Luke Shaw has missed the last two games, with Patrick Dorgu stepping in at left‑back. Carrick reassured fans that Shaw’s injury is not serious and could see him back for the Brighton fixture. "It’s a matter of a few days rather than anything else," he said. "Pat played fantastically well against Sabah the other night, and I thought he did a lot of good things against Manchester City. That’s why we’ve got the squad to fill in different things."
Carabao Cup: a chance for silverware
The Carabao Cup presents Carrick with an opportunity to secure his first trophy in charge of United. He emphasized the importance of winning for the club and its supporters, stating, "Trophies is the beauty and the feeling of winning. It’s what we’re in football for, what we’re in sport for, and certainly what I’m at this club for is to try and win." Carrick acknowledged the challenges but underscored the significance of delivering results for the fans.
What’s next for United?
With Baleba’s return expected, United will look to strengthen their midfield as they prepare for a busy schedule that includes domestic league matches, the Carabao Cup, and European fixtures. The manager remains optimistic about the squad’s depth and the potential for new signings to contribute once they recover from injury. The focus will be on maintaining fitness, integrating Baleba into the team, and continuing the pursuit of silverware throughout the season.
As the team navigates injuries and squad rotations, fans can anticipate a blend of experienced players and fresh talent stepping up to meet the challenges ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Baleba is expected to return to training and could debut against Tottenham in October.
- He missed the Carabao Cup tie with Brighton and the Fulham match due to an ankle injury.
- United also face absences from Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw.
- Carrick sees the Carabao Cup as a chance to win his first trophy in charge.
- United’s squad depth will be tested as they navigate injuries and a busy fixture list.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Baleba expected to return? Carrick indicated he should be back in training within the next week, with a debut likely after the international break.
- Will Baleba play against Tottenham? Yes, Carrick believes he will be ready for the October match against Tottenham.
- What other injuries affect United? Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw are currently out, with Shaw’s injury being minor.
- What is the significance of the Carabao Cup for United? It offers Carrick a chance to secure his first trophy in charge and boost team morale.
Why it matters
Baleba’s return could reshape United’s midfield options and strengthen the squad as they chase trophies, while the manager’s confidence signals a positive trajectory for the club’s injury recovery and upcoming fixtures.
Key points
- Baleba expected back in training and debut vs Tottenham
- Missed Carabao Cup and Fulham matches due to ankle injury
- United also missing Diallo, de Ligt, and Shaw
- Carabao Cup seen as trophy opportunity for Carrick
- Squad depth will be tested amid injuries
Frequently asked questions
When is Baleba expected to return?
Carrick indicated he should be back in training within the next week, with a debut likely after the international break.
Will Baleba play against Tottenham?
Yes, Carrick believes he will be ready for the October match against Tottenham.
What other injuries affect United?
Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw are currently out, with Shaw’s injury being minor.
What is the significance of the Carabao Cup for United?
It offers Carrick a chance to secure his first trophy in charge and boost team morale.
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