Key Manchester United players face uncertain returns. Discover Kobbie Mainoo's potential availability and Patrick Dorgu's ongoing recovery ahead of the Chelsea clash.
Manchester United’s return to action on Monday evening brought an unwelcome result, as Leeds United emerged 2–1 winners at Old Trafford.
It was United’s first competitive game in 24 days, and with Michael Carrick’s side targeting a Champions League place, the defeat sees them drop level on points with Aston Villa in the race for third and fourth.
They now turn their focus to Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea await in another key clash in the battle for the top four. Liam Rosenior’s side are struggling for form, having suffered four defeats in their last five league outings.
A victory for United would provide an immediate response and create a ten-point cushion over sixth-placed Chelsea, further strengthening their push for Champions League football next season.
Ahead of the fixture, Carrick issued a number of injury updates during his Friday afternoon press conference.
Kobbie Mainoo
What happened: Having started every fixture under Carrick, Kobbie Mainoo was absent from the squad that faced Leeds.
What was said: “Kobbie, [is doing] little bits yeah, we're working towards it," Carrick confirmed. "He's done little bits, so there's a decision to be made there.”
Possible return date: Saturday, 18 April – Chelsea (A).
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu
What happened: Patrick Dorgu has missed the last three or so months of action with a hamstring injury, but is back on grass training with individual coaches.
What was said: “Patrick’s not [ready] no,” Carrick said on Friday. “He’s going well, he's 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, that he's doing really well."
Possible return date: Beginning of May.
Lisandro Martínez
What happened: Lisandro Martínez was sent off for violent conduct during United's loss against Leeds after he was deemed to have pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair. United failed in their appeal, and he will serve a three-game ban
What was said: "We didn't agree with it, it's obvious how I felt after the game, and I still feel that way now," Carrick said. "I don't want to go into it now; it is what it is. We have to accept it and move on."
Possible return date: Saturday, 9 May – Sunderland (A).
Harry Maguire
What happened: Harry Maguire has been handed a further one-game ban following his sending off against Bournemouth after being charged with improper conduct.
What was said: "To be honest, there's not much to react to," Carrick said. "I'm disappointed, of course. We've had a few reasons to be disappointed over the last few weeks. We have to move on because the decision has been made."
Expected return date: Monday, 27 April – Brentford (H).
Matthijs de Ligt
What happened: Matthijs de Ligt has missed every game since the end of November with an unknown back problem.
What was said: “Treatment and rehab,” Carrick said last week when asked about De Ligt's workload. “The reason he didn’t come [to Ireland] is he’s not quite on the grass. Patrick came back because he’s further on, but Matta isn’t quite at this stage yet.
“So it was important for him to continue his rehab, really, and try and get him back. There’s nothing else around it.”
Possible return date: Unknown