Michael Carrick has provided an update on Kobbie Mainoo ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea.
Kobbie Mainoo is back in training at Carrington ahead of Manchester United’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
Michael Carrick indicated that Mainoo has completed parts of training sessions as the squad prepare to face Chelsea.
He said: “Kobbie, little bits, we are working towards it, he’s done little bits [in training] so there’s a decision to be made there.”
Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training… how important is it that he STARTS vs Chelsea?
Michael Carrick: "We are working towards it, he’s done little bits [in training] so there’s a decision to be made there.”
Manchester United vs Chelsea: How confident are you feeling?
Man Utd receive Kobbie Mainoo injury boost
On Monday night, Manchester United lost 2-1 against Leeds in what was the first home defeat under Michael Carrick as interim head coach.
United missed Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, with the latter absent due to suspension following a red card in United’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth.
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United fans feared the worst when Carrick refused to give a specific return date for Mainoo.
“Over the last day or so, Kobbie just had an issue in training,” Carrick said before kick-off against Leeds, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.
“So it seems small, but big enough to keep him out tonight.
“It wasn’t worth the risk, to be honest, so we’re hoping it’s pretty small, and it won’t be too long.”
Carrick previously stated Lisandro Martinez suffered a minor injury before the World Cup-winner missed five matches.
However, there has been a promising update on Mainoo’s fitness ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Carrick has now indicated that Mainoo is with the first team squad in training working towards a return.
It will be Carrick’s call as to whether Mainoo is ready to start on Saturday, but United do not have many options in midfield.
Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro struggled as a midfield partnership against Leeds, and Carrick is expected to make changes to his line-up.
You are building Man Utd’s midfield for 26/27: Is Kobbie Mainoo a first choice starter?
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Kobbie Mainoo record against Chelsea
Mainoo has played against Chelsea three times since breaking into United’s first team.
Unfortunately, two of those games ended in defeat.
That means Mainoo’s first win against Chelsea came earlier this season, playing 87 minutes in United’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
Granted, he passes fit, Mainoo will be looking for his first goal contribution against Chelsea.
