Although attention remains firmly on Manchester United’s stars away on international duty, the Red Devils have now received a significant injury update ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash with Everton.
Looking at United’s matchday squad for their recent encounter with Tottenham Hotspur, one notable absentee stood out: Kobbie Mainoo.
The young midfielder missed the trip to the capital after picking up a knock in training.
In Mainoo’s absence, United boss Ruben Amorim turned to academy prospect Jack Fletcher, calling him up as a midfield bench option.
While Mainoo’s omission may not have raised major alarm bells, given his limited minutes this season, for a player of his quality, the injury would still have left some United fans concerned.
When Mainoo is expected back
Fortunately, those concerns appear short-lived. According to the latest update on United’s number #37:
“Manchester United also expect Mainoo to be fit for the Everton game after missing Spurs. Knock not thought to be serious,” reported Samuel Luckhurst via The Sun on X.
Mainoo’s availability for the Everton fixture at Old Trafford on 24 November will come as a welcome boost for Amorim.
United’s midfield depth under strain
With Christian Eriksen leaving last summer and Toby Collyer sent out on loan, and the club replacing neither, United’s midfield options are worryingly thin. The Red Devils need every available body in the middle of the park.
World Cup hopes
Mainoo, returning to the matchday squad, will be hoping to turn the tide on his fortunes at Old Trafford.
The 20-year-old has struggled for game time this season, with Amorim favouring the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
This lack of regular minutes is threatening Mainoo’s hopes of representing England at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
He faces the difficult task of convincing Thomas Tuchel that he deserves a recall to the national team setup.
As such, Mainoo is reportedly eyeing a loan move in the winter window, hoping to join a club where he is guaranteed consistent game time, allowing him to impress and stake his claim for a spot in England’s World Cup squad.
Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images