Man Utd Injury News Ahead of Brighton Tie
Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion in a Carabao Cup third-round tie on Wednesday night at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick has confirmed the fitness status of several senior players, including Carlos Baleba, Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo and Luke Shaw.
The updates arrive after United’s 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester City, a result decided by an Erling Haaland goal that Pro Ref later admitted involved an “error of judgment”. Carrick used his pre-match press conference to outline where his squad stands ahead of the visit of Brighton, who provide United’s first fixture since that setback.
For full context on United’s injury picture heading into this run of fixtures, see our Man Utd injury news vs Man City: Baleba, Amad and De Ligt latest.
Michael Carrick Gives Fitness Updates on Baleba and De Ligt
Carrick confirmed summer signing Carlos Baleba remains sidelined by the ankle injury he sustained before joining the club, with a return still some weeks away.
“He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, maybe three weeks,” Carrick said. Asked about expectations for Baleba’s eventual comeback, he added: “We’ll see. We knew that before, so it’s no major issue. It’ll be great to have him back when we can.”
The Cameroon international has yet to make his United debut following his move to Old Trafford, and supporters can follow his progress in our Carlos Baleba Injury Update: Man Utd Fitness Latest.
On Matthijs de Ligt, Carrick struck a more encouraging tone. The Dutch defender has returned to training after a back injury that has kept him out since last November.
“It’s positive,” Carrick said of De Ligt’s progress. He went into more detail on the caution being applied to his recovery: “He’s trained really well, but we’re still managing it. When you’re out for such a long period of time, you get to the final stages, pushing and pushing, and you’ve got to manage that last stage. It’s important to get that balance right to take the next step. But he’s on track, in a good place. Hopefully, some time soon.”
Squad Depth Tested Following Derby Loss
United go into the Brighton tie still without Amad Diallo, who has not featured this season because of a pre-season injury. Carrick confirmed the winger will not be involved this week. “Amad won’t be involved this week. He’ll be out a little bit longer,” he said.
Baleba’s continued absence and Amad’s extended lay-off leave Carrick with reduced attacking options as United rotate for cup competition. The pair’s unavailability, combined with De Ligt’s gradual reintegration, means the manager must balance freshness with squad depth against Brighton, who present a stern test in the competition.
Losing the derby to City has only sharpened focus on results in the days that follow, and Carrick will be keen to see his fringe players respond in a fixture that also serves as a chance to build match sharpness among those returning from injury.
Readers can track how Baleba’s recovery has developed across recent weeks via Carlos Baleba steps up recovery as Man Utd debut moves closer.
Upcoming Schedule and Expected Return Dates
Luke Shaw, who has missed United’s last two matches, is nearing a comeback. “Luke is not quite ready but he is very close. It’s very small,” Carrick said of the left-back’s issue.
Based on Carrick’s own timeline, Baleba could be in contention within two to three weeks, while De Ligt’s return remains dependent on how he responds to further training sessions rather than a fixed date. Amad’s timeline stays open-ended, with Carrick offering no fixed date for the winger’s comeback. Shaw, by contrast, appears the closest of the four to being available again, with Carrick describing his issue as minor.
Full details of Carrick’s press conference were reported by the Manchester Evening News report, which carried the manager’s comments in full ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton at Old Trafford.
