Carlos Baleba is edging closer to making his Manchester United debut, with the midfielder stepping up his recovery ahead of the Carabao Cup meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 22-year-old has yet to play for Manchester United since completing his £70m move from Brighton on August 25. An ankle ligament injury suffered during pre-season has delayed his start at Old Trafford.
Carlos Baleba was recently pictured working in the gym and out on the grass at Carrington as he continues his rehabilitation. However, he is still expected to miss Wednesday’s clash against his former club.
Manchester United confirmed that the Cameroon international is pushing himself to return to first-team action as quickly as possible.
“Baleba is working as hard as he can to get back into contention,” read an official club statement.
Carlos Baleba could return after Brighton clash
The timing of the midfielder’s recovery will be watched closely, particularly with Manchester United needing a response after Sunday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Baleba has missed all four matches since joining the Reds because of the ankle problem picked up while still with Brighton. That means Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie is also set to come too soon for his first appearance.
United will host Brighton at Old Trafford before travelling to Fulham on Sunday. A three-week international break then follows, giving Baleba additional time to continue his recovery. He is expected to make his debut after the international break.
The midfielder has signed a contract with United until June 2031, with the club holding an option to extend it for another year.
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