Manchester United have almost a full week to prepare for their Premier League meeting with Ipswich Town, but Michael Carrick already has several fitness issues to monitor following the opening-day defeat at Hull City.
Amad is the biggest concern after suffering an injury in training, while Mason Mount missed the 2-0 loss at Hull after failing a late fitness test. Benjamin Sesko‘s situation is considerably more encouraging and incoming signing Carlos Baleba is also working his way back from an ankle problem.
United host Ipswich at Old Trafford on Sunday 30 August as Carrick looks for an immediate response to a disappointing start to the new season.
Amad could miss Man Utd vs Ipswich
Amad looks extremely unlikely to be available.
United confirmed that the winger missed the Hull defeat after picking up an injury in training, with subsequent reports suggesting the problem could keep him sidelined for around six weeks.
As ReadManUtd reported on Sunday, that timeframe is based on the initial scans and United are awaiting further tests before establishing a clearer recovery date.
It nevertheless leaves Carrick preparing for Ipswich without one of his most useful attacking options.
Bryan Mbeumo started on the right against Hull, while Marcus Rashford returned from the bench and could now push for a starting place at Old Trafford.
Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko latest
Mount is another player whose condition needs monitoring this week.
The midfielder suffered a foot problem during pre-season and was unable to prove his fitness in time for the trip to Hull. talkSPORT reported that Mount failed a late fitness test before Carrick named his opening-day squad.
There is more encouragement surrounding Sesko.
The striker returned to full training before the start of the Premier League campaign following his shin problem and was fit enough to be named on the bench against Hull.
That should put Sesko in contention for a greater role against Ipswich, provided he comes through another full week of training without a setback.
Could Carlos Baleba make his Man Utd debut?
Baleba’s potential availability will attract plenty of attention if his £70million move from Brighton is officially completed.
United have agreed to pay £65m plus another £5m in potential add-ons for the midfielder, with ReadManUtd previously covering Fabrizio Romano’s confirmation of the agreement.
Baleba has been recovering from an ankle ligament injury suffered during pre-season.
Reuters reported that the injury was not expected to keep the Cameroon international out for a prolonged period, although it remains too early to say whether he will be ready to face Ipswich.
His fitness will therefore be one of the key developments to follow once the transfer is formally completed.
United have several days before Carrick is expected to provide his next official team-news update, meaning this picture could change considerably before Sunday.
For now, Amad appears set to miss out, Mount remains a doubt, Sesko is moving closer to full fitness and Baleba’s potential debut remains uncertain.
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