Manchester United recruit Carlos Baleba faces several weeks on the sidelines after head coach Michael Carrick confirmed the extent of the midfielder’s hamstring injury.
Baleba – a $133million AUD signing from Brighton and Hove Albion in September – suffered the setback during United’s dramatic 3-2 UEFA Champions League comeback against Roma on Wednesday (AEDT), leaving the Red Devils without the Cameroon international for a crucial run of fixtures.
The 22-year-old was forced off in the 51st minute at Old Trafford after pulling up while making a run into Roma’s penalty area midweek.
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Carrick has confirmed Baleba will miss the Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Monday (AEDT) and remain unavailable beyond the November international break.
“Carlos, we don’t know exactly, but it’ll be a number of weeks,” Carrick told reporters.
“It’s definitely not this week and it won’t be any time over the international break. It’ll be a little bit longer than that.”
Which Manchester United games could Carlos Baleba miss?
While United have not confirmed an exact return date, Baleba’s absence could extend into a challenging run of matches following the international break amid ongoing speculation over Carrick’s future.
Baleba is set to miss Aston Villa’s visit to Old Trafford, while his availability for three further fixtures is in doubt:
November 22 (November 23 AEDT): Liverpool (away) – Premier League
November 25 (November 26 AEDT): Sporting CP (home) – Champions League
November 28 (November 29 AEDT): Brentford (home) – Premier League
Another setback for Manchester United
Baleba’s latest injury compounds a frustrating start to life at Old Trafford following his transfer from Brighton.
An ankle problem delayed his debut until October, with the midfielder making just seven appearances across all competitions before suffering his latest setback.
His absence comes as Carrick attempts to revive United’s fortunes following a horror start to the Premier League season.
United sit 17th after collecting just seven points from nine matches, although their extraordinary comeback against Roma ended a nine-game winless streak.
There is some positive news for Carrick, with Patrick Dorgu returning to training after his own hamstring injury.
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