Manchester United Receives Injury Boost as Carlos Baleba Participates in Friendly
Summer signing Carlos Baleba featured in a behind-closed-doors match, offering hope amid international break injury concerns for Manchester United.
Manchester United has received a significant boost with summer acquisition Carlos Baleba participating in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday. Baleba, who joined the club from Brighton for £70 million, had been sidelined with an ankle injury since the start of the season.
The 22-year-old's potential debut may be approaching after he played against Swiss side Lausanne-Sport at the club's Carrington training ground. He was an unused substitute in United's last match before the international break, a 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Manager Michael Carrick had previously indicated Baleba was actively working to return to full fitness. This development comes as Manchester United faces other injury concerns during the current three-week international break.
Notable players grappling with fitness issues include Bruno Fernandes, who experienced a 'complicated' shin problem while on international duty with Portugal, and Noussair Mazraoui, who left a match for Morocco with an apparent injury. Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo withdrew from England duty prior to the break, and Amad Diallo and Benjamin Sesko are also reported fitness concerns.
Morgan Gibbs-White is also being monitored for an ankle issue after being withdrawn from Nottingham Forest's game against Crystal Palace. The club's first match following the international break is scheduled for October 10, when they will host Tottenham at Old Trafford.