Rashford, Baleba, Mainoo - Man United injury news latest and return dates ahead of Tottenham
Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur this weekend as the Premier League returns following the international break
The Premier League returns this weekend following the international break, with Manchester United preparing to host Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. However, the Reds continue to contend with several injury concerns ahead of the clash.
The top flight has been paused for an extended three-week period due to the September and October international fixtures. Before the break, United were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham, having previously suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the derby.
A slow start to the season has already increased the pressure on Michael Carrick, with United winning just one of their opening five league matches, while drawing two and losing two.
Carrick will be targeting a much-needed victory against Spurs, who have endured an even tougher start under Roberto De Zerbi. Spurs currently sit bottom of the table with just two points to their name after losing three of their opening fixtures.
Ahead of Saturday's encounter, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest injury news and fitness updates from the United camp.
Carlos Baleba
Injury: Ankle.
The Cameroonian is still awaiting his first competitive appearance since completing a £70million move from Brighton in the summer, although he did feature in a a behind-closed-doors friendly game vs Lausanne-Sport.
Potential return date: Vs Tottenham (H) - Sat 10 October
Benjamin Sesko
Injury: Shin.
The striker missed the Carabao Cup clash vs Brighton before the international break but was taken off in the second half and subsequently withdrew from the Slovenia squad.
What Sesko said: "I am very sorry that I will have to miss the national team's upcoming matches. I have always played for Slovenia - and always will - with heart and pride," he wrote on Instagram. "Right now, the most important thing is to focus fully on my recovery. I am already working on getting back on the pitch as soon as possible to help both the national team and my club once again.”
Potential return date: Late October/early November.
Kobbie Mainoo
Injury: An unspecified problem and load management.
Mainoo was one of the players to withdraw from international duty before the start of the international break.
Potential return date: Vs Tottenham (H) - Sat 10 October.
Patrick Dorgu
Injury: Thigh.
The defender's involvement against Wales lasted only half an hour before he was replaced, and he has since withdrawn from Denmark duty for the rest of the international break.
Potential return date: Unknown.
Matthijs de Ligt
Injury: Back
The defender has been a long-term absentee with a back injury, but could be closing in on a return.
What Carrick has said: "Matta is just working his way back, really. So I don’t want to, because of how it’s been, put too much of a timeframe on it."
Potential return date: November.
Marcus Rashford
Injury: Unknown.
The forward's outing against Fulham was cut short after he was substituted, with the player later withdrawing from international duty with England.
What Carrick said: "We had to bring him off, as he had a bit of an issue. I'm not sure [if he's alright].”
Potential return date: Vs Tottenham (H) - Sat 10 October
Amad
Injury: Knock.
Amad is yet to feature this season due to an injury he suffered on the eve of the Premier League opener against Hull City. He has, however, hinted that a return may not be far away.
What Carrick said: "Amad, hopefully, by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group. That's a positive."
Potential return date: Vs Tottenham (H) - Sat 10 October.
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Noussair Mazraoui
Injury: Back.
The defender picked up a potential injury setback while on international duty, having been withdrawn during Morocco's win over Lesotho. The severity of the injury is not yet known.
Potential return date: Unknown.
Manuel Ugarte
Injury: Knee
The midfielder suffered a knee ligament injury while representing Uruguay at the World Cup this summer.
Potential return date: Unknown.
Karl Darlow
Injury: Minor procedure.
The summer recruit has not yet featured following a minor operation in the off-season, while he has also withdrawn from Wales duty during the international break.
Potential return date: October.
Tom Heaton
Injury: Hamstring.
The goalkeeper sustained the injury ahead of the start of the season.