via Reuters
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo faces a race to return to action before the upcoming Premier League break, in a setback for Michael Carrick.
The Red Devils have endured a mixed beginning to the campaign, beaten by new boys Hull City on the opening weekend before bouncing back with a win over Ipswich Town and a dramatic point against Everton.
Carrick's side are yet to hit their stride and have not been helped by the absence of tricky winger Amad. The 24-year-old was a regular last season, starting 13 Premier League games after Carrick's arrival as interim boss.
Amad Diallo to miss key Man Utd fixtures
REUTERS/Phil Noble
However, Man Utd have been without Diallo so far this season. The forward was injured in training before the clash with Hull City and did not feature in the squad against Ipswich Town and Everton.
The Daily Mail now reports that Amad is yet to resume training on the grass in Carrington and the fear is that he will be out of action until after the upcoming international break.
The Red Devils face Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday night before welcoming noisy neighbours Manchester City to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Amad will be absent for both of those fixtures, as well as the Carabao Cup Third Round match against Brighton.
It's reported that the winger has an 'outside chance' of being available for the trip to Fulham on Sunday, September 20. Even if fit, Carrick may choose to give the player the international break as extra recovery time, rather than risking him against an out-of-sorts Cottagers side.
Amad Diallo injury timeline -
Man Utd v Sabah, September 10 - sidelined
Man Utd v Man City, September 13 - sidelined
Man Utd v Brighton, September 16 - sidelined
Fulham v Man Utd, September 20 - 'outside chance'
Man Utd v Tottenham Hotspur, October 10 - expected return
Bryan Mbeumo flourishing out wide
REUTERS/Toby Melville
Thanks to his versatility, Amad was deployed on both the left and right flanks at times by Carrick last season. Man Utd have used Patrick Dorgu, Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo as wingers this season.
The latter of the trio was more regularly used centrally last term but, with Amad not an option, is yet to be played in that position this term. It's not been a problem for the 27-year-old, who has scored in his last two outings.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League meeting with Sabah, Mbeumo was asked about his role in the XI. He said: “No, obviously I've been used to playing a few positions in the attack. Back even in my first season as a professional, back in the days of Troyes, I was playing right, left, central.
"So obviously I've got some preferences, like I would say key positions on the field, but I can have them either when I play centrally or wide, so it doesn't really matter. As long as I can play and perform for the team, I'm happy.”