Manchester United have a number of injury issues heading into their Premier League clash with Fulham this weekend and Michael Carrick has not ruled out the return of two players
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick is waiting on the fitness of Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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As many as nine players could be missing from Manchester United's Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage. United boss Michael Carrick will hope two of his players can win the race to be available to face the Cottagers on Sunday, however.
United are aiming to bounce back before the international break, having lost twice in the last seven days against Manchester City and Brighton. The latter marked the first time the club had let a 2-0 lead slip at home for 50 years.
Carrick will have his fingers crossed that Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba are available to be included in his squad for the trip to west London. That latter has not been available since joining the club from Brighton in the summer, but has travelled with the squad after United's boss has revealed that he is trying to introduce him to the group.
"We're looking good. Everyone's up and running over the last week or so, pretty much everyone has played and [been] fit and we're trying to get Carlos back in.
"Well, I say back in, actually introducing him into the group. So he's done a bit of training this week and, hopefully, we'll get Luke [Shaw] back in and around it this week and look forward to a strong game on the weekend."
Carrick added: "There is a chance on both, really. Not totally 100% yet." He noted that Shaw's issue was 'short-term'.
Amad remains out of contention for the west London clash and will not return until after the international break. Speaking last week, Carrick acknowledged it wasn't a matter of days until his return.
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Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United in action during a first team training session.
Matthijs de Ligt is still out injured(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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United are also dealing with a number of long-term absentees. Matthijs de Ligt has not played for 10 months following a back injury - but also travelled with the team down to west London on Saturday. The Dutchman is continuing to work his way back, but whether he is included in the matchday squad remains to be seen.
Benjamin Sesko is a slight worry, however, after not being seen with the team when arriving in London on Saturday afternoon. The striker has struggled to get going this season after beginning the campaign with an injury.
Manuel Ugarte was forced to undergo surgery after injuring a knee ligament while at the World Cup. He remains ruled out for the foreseeable future, while goalkeeper Tom Heaton is out with a hamstring strain.
Fulham, meanwhile, are without Tom Cairney and Kenny Tete until next month. Club captain Cairney underwent knee surgery in the summer and is expected to return to training following the international break.
Dutch defender Tete is out until next month after suffering a concussion.
Ryan Sessegnon is in a race to be fit after returning from injury to train on Friday. Alvaro Arbeloa remained cautious over his availability, however.