Mainoo returns to training but Sesko ruled out until 2027 in mixed United injury news before Chelsea

Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League fixture at Chelsea, offering manager Michael Carrick a timely boost after the midfielder missed four consecutive matches with a muscular issue. However, the 23-year-old striker Benjamin Sesko has been ruled out until 2027, compounding a lengthy injury list at Old Trafford.

Mainoo’s absence has forced Carrick to deploy Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba in central midfield, with Baleba himself only recently recovering from an ankle injury. Saturday’s clash at Stamford Bridge may still come too soon for Mainoo to start, but his return to the training pitch at least puts him in contention to feature.

Sesko’s situation is considerably more serious. The Slovenian has been managing a persistent shin complaint since May, and according to reports, United’s medical staff have determined that prolonged rest is the only viable course of treatment. Carrick’s most recent public update on the striker — delivered roughly a month after United confirmed he would undergo tests following the defeat to Brighton in mid-September — offered little clarity. “Ben is kind of still undergoing a couple of checks before we update on timelines,” Carrick said. “He’s still a little bit further away, but when we know, we’ll let you know.”

Elsewhere in the squad, Luke Shaw has not been spotted at Carrington since limping off in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham, leaving Diogo Dalot to continue at left-back. Marcus Rashford, dealing with a hip problem, was also absent from outdoor training but has been seen doing individual gym work, with Carrick suggesting he is close to returning. Patrick Dorgu has not featured since the 1-1 draw with Fulham in late September after picking up a hamstring injury during the international break, while Manuel Ugarte remains a long-term absentee following a serious knee injury sustained during the World Cup.

Chelsea arrive at Stamford Bridge with their own injury concerns. Captain Reece James, Emiliano Martinez and Joao Pedro are all ruled out, while Maxence Lacroix is a doubt after limping off in the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool with a hamstring problem. Pep Chavarria and Jamie Gittens are also in various stages of recovery.