Manchester United have been handed a fresh concern over Kobbie Mainoo after Thomas Tuchel confirmed the midfielder suffered sharp back pain in England training.
Mainoo was ruled out of England’s 6-4 victory over France in Saturday’s World Cup third-place play-off. He had been expected to receive his first minutes of the tournament after Tuchel made several changes in Miami.
However, the 21-year-old was listed as injured on the teamsheet and did not make the matchday squad. He finished the tournament without making a competitive appearance.
Speaking after the game, Tuchel revealed that Mainoo suffered the problem during England’s final training session on Friday.
“He had a sharp pain in the back within the training,” Tuchel told The Independent. “He was not ready to play.”
Carrick awaits Mainoo assessment
Tuchel did not provide a diagnosis or indicate how long Mainoo could be unavailable. Manchester United will need to assess the midfielder when he returns to Carrington following his post-tournament break.
ReadManUtd had already covered the late injury blow before England faced France, although the nature of the problem was initially unclear.
Mainoo re-established himself under Michael Carrick during the second half of last season. He started 16 of Carrick’s first 17 matches and earned his England recall after previously facing uncertainty over his Old Trafford future.
United have since added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to their midfield. Mainoo must compete for his position, but his ability to receive under pressure and carry possession remains valuable as United prepare to return to the Champions League.
Carrick’s squad have already started pre-season, losing 1-0 against Wrexham in Helsinki on Saturday. Mainoo was never expected to feature so soon after England’s World Cup campaign.
The immediate priority is discovering the severity of his back problem. United will hope the injury does not delay his return once his required rest period is complete.
