Manchester United have suffered another frustrating injury setback, with Carlos Baleba reportedly facing several weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury during the dramatic comeback victory over Roma.
The £70 million midfielder was forced off shortly after half-time after clutching his hamstring while making a powerful driving run into the penalty area. His injury is a major concern for Michael Carrick, especially with several crucial fixtures approaching.
Unfortunately, Baleba is expected to miss some important matches, including:
❌ Aston Villa (Premier League)
❌ Liverpool (Premier League)
❌ Sporting CP (Champions League, away in Lisbon)
Speaking about the midfielder’s condition, Carrick confirmed that the club does not yet know the exact recovery timeline but admitted that Baleba will not return immediately after the international break.
🗣️ Michael Carrick: “Carlos, we don’t know exactly, but weeks. It will not be this week or the international break.”
This is particularly frustrating because the 22-year-old has already struggled with fitness problems this season, having missed the beginning of the campaign with an ankle injury sustained during pre-season following his move from Brighton.
There is, however, a little positive news regarding Patrick Dorgu. The Denmark international has returned to training after recovering from his own hamstring problem.
Dorgu has been absent since September 20, and Carrick is still unwilling to rush him back into competitive action.
🗣️ Carrick on Dorgu: “He is slowly getting back with us, so we have to see.”
It is worth remembering that this is Dorgu’s second hamstring injury of the calendar year after he previously missed three months following the January victory over Arsenal.
United now face another difficult period without Baleba, while supporters will be hoping Dorgu can return soon and provide some much-needed options.
With Aston Villa, Liverpool and Sporting CP waiting, these injuries could not have arrived at a worse time for Carrick’s side! 😬
UNITED FANS, HOW BIG A LOSS IS CARLOS BALEBA? WILL HIS ABSENCE AFFECT UNITED’S CHANCES IN THESE UPCOMING BIG GAMES? 👀🔥
#MUFC #ManchesterUnited #CarlosBaleba #PatrickDorgu #PremierLeague