Manchester United have received a mixed injury update ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Hull City.
Michael Carrick has confirmed that Benjamin Sesko and Karl Darlow are back in training.
Matthijs de Ligt has also returned with the squad but the defender won’t be ready to feature away at Hull City. Mason Mount, meanwhile, is close to a return after missing time with a knock and could yet make the trip to Hull.
Carrick was asked about the availability of several players before United begin the new campaign.
“Karl’s trained this week. He’s back training, so he’s in good shape. Matta’s obviously been out for a long period of time, but he’s training and great to have him back. He won’t be involved, but he’s in good shape and moving in a good direction,” he said.
The return of De Ligt is particularly useful after his lengthy absence, even though Carrick won’t rush him straight back into competitive action.
Sesko back as Mount faces late fitness test
There is some good news regarding Benjamin Sesko, who has been building up his fitness after a shin injury kept him out of Manchester United’s pre-season fixtures.
“Ben’s back training, so that’s, again, another positive. Looking forward to having him back around the group and getting him some minutes as well.”
That gives Carrick another attacking option as Manchester United prepare for their first competitive game of the season.
The bigger question surrounds Mount.
The midfielder impressed during the early stages of pre-season and was one of United’s standout performers before picking up a knock. Carrick insisted there is no major concern over the injury.
“And then managing Mason a little bit, but he’s very close, so it’s touch and go for the weekend, really, if not, going into next week.”
Is Mason Mount a long term concern at Manchester United
Michael Carrick was also asked whether Mount’s injury history was making the club particularly cautious with him.
His response was positive.
“I think, first of all, Mason’s a top player. Top player. I think we’ve seen that so far in pre-season, he’s one of our best players in the early stages in the games that he played, and I thought he was fantastic.”
The United boss believes the latest setback is nothing serious and said the club are simply trying to make sure Mount gets back into a proper rhythm.
“So, not surprising, it’s what I’ve seen before, what I expect, what I know of him. And he’s picked up a little bit of a knock, it’s no dramas.”
Manchester United will clearly need to manage their squad carefully this season. Champions League football means a much heavier schedule, and Carrick knows injuries are inevitable.
“We got to have a squad that’s strong enough to have a really good, top starting team with a depth to carry us through the season.”
For now, Mount remains a doubt for Hull, while Sesko and Darlow are back in training and De Ligt continues his recovery.
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