Manchester United will be without Carlos Baleba and Amad against Ipswich Town after Michael Carrick confirmed both players remain sidelined through injury.
Baleba must wait to make his United debut following his £70million move from Brighton, with Carrick revealing the midfielder is likely to be unavailable for another two to three weeks.
Amad will also miss Sunday’s Premier League game at Old Trafford, although there was better news surrounding Mason Mount after his return to training.
Carlos Baleba injury timeline confirmed
Speaking in his official pre-Ipswich press conference, Carrick confirmed Baleba is still recovering from the ankle problem he sustained during pre-season with Brighton.
“He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, three weeks.”
Carrick stressed that United were aware of the problem before completing the transfer and described it as “no major issue”.
The timeframe means supporters will have to wait to see the Cameroon international make his competitive United debut. Sky Sports had previously reported that Baleba could return around the middle of September.
United already knew Baleba was unlikely to face Ipswich, but Carrick’s update provides the clearest indication yet of when the midfielder could become available.
The manager also confirmed Amad remains out.
“Amad won’t be involved this week. He’ll be out for a little bit longer.”
Carrick said United are hopeful both players could return before the international break but stopped short of placing a firm date on either comeback.
The update should be added to ReadManUtd’s existing injury guide ahead of the Ipswich game, which has been tracking Carrick’s availability issues throughout the week.
There was at least positive news on Mount.
The midfielder has returned to the group and trained this week after missing the 2-0 defeat at Hull City, putting him back into contention for Sunday’s first home league game of the season.
United face Ipswich at 4:30pm BST on Sunday, with full UK TV and streaming information available here.
