Manchester United will be without Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez for the trip to Chelsea on Saturday with both players suspended, amid injury updates on other stars
Manchester United take on Chelsea on Saturday evening, looking to swiftly recover from their defeat against Leeds United. But Michael Carrick faces crucial selection headaches as his defensive options are stretched by injury and suspension.
United's visit to Stamford Bridge represents a significant opportunity to bolster their push for Champions League qualification. The Premier League's third-placed side hold a seven-point advantage over the Blues, who currently occupy sixth place and sit just outside the qualifying spots for Europe's elite competition.
Carrick will need to navigate his side through considerable difficulty, however, with both Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire ruled out through suspension. With Matthijs de Ligt still sidelined and Leny Yoro unlikely to be involved, a makeshift centre-back partnership appears inevitable.
With that in mind, here is the very latest injury news and expected return dates for United's key players.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt continues to be sidelined for United, having last featured back in November. The Dutchman was absent from United's trip to County Kildare during the international break as he pressed ahead with his recovery from a back problem. At that point, he had yet to return to outdoor training.
Possible return date: 24/05.
Patrick Dorgu
Manchester United star Patrick Dorgu isn't quite ready to make his comeback, though he's said to be progressing nicely on his road to recovery. The promising youngster sustained an injury during the Arsenal clash in January.
"Patrick is not [ready] no," said Carrick. "He's going well, rehabbing well, he's kind of on track, but he's not with us in terms of training yet.
"But he's back on the pitch, as I've already said, so that's positive.'"
Possible return date: 03/05.
Leny Yoro
French centre-half Leny Yoro appears set to compound Carrick's defensive headaches after failing to be seen amongst the squad heading to Stamford Bridge on Friday.
Speaking before the match, Carrick had discussed Yoro and Ayden Heaven's development at the club. "It's not always easy or straightforward, but I think the level they are at right now is a really good stage," he said.
"The future is the future, they need to keep progressing and we'll give them the opportunity to do that. They are probably in as good as a place you can be at their age for centre-backs."
Possible return date: Unknown
Kobbie Mainoo
The United midfielder sat out Monday's loss to Leeds but has travelled to west London for the Chelsea fixture. Mainoo sustained a minor knock in training and wasn't risked for the club's last match, though he could feature once again.
"Kobbie is doing little bits," Carrick said in his press conference. "He's working toward it, he's doing bits, so there's a decision to be made."
Possible return date: 18/04.