Amad Diallo ruled out until next month as De Ligt eases back into Man United training

Manchester United face their Champions League opener against Sabah FK at Old Trafford on Thursday without winger Amad Diallo, who remains sidelined by a training-ground injury sustained before the Premier League season began.

Amad has yet to feature competitively for United this season and has not returned to training, according to a report from the Daily Mail. The Ivory Coast international is not expected back in action until next month, following the upcoming international break. There is a slim chance he could be available for United’s Premier League fixture against Fulham the weekend after Sabah, though that outcome is considered unlikely at this stage.

Manager Michael Carrick is already navigating a tricky run of fixtures after United were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton on Sunday, and the absence of Amad — one of the club’s more dynamic attacking options — limits his choices in the wide areas.

On a more encouraging note, centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has returned to training. The Netherlands international has been out since November last year with a back injury, but has been gradually stepping up his workload in recent weeks. United are reported to be taking no risks with his recovery, and no timeframe has been set for his return to the matchday squad.

Following the Sabah fixture, United return to Premier League action with the Manchester derby, hosting City at Old Trafford — a game that will sharpen the focus on the squad’s fitness picture considerably.