Mount returns to training as Carrick names injury concerns ahead of Everton trip

Mason Mount has returned to training and could feature for Manchester United when Michael Carrick’s side travel to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 2pm.

Mount has been absent from every matchday squad since picking up a minor foot injury against PSG in pre-season on 8 August. Carrick confirmed the midfielder is back in the fold this week, saying: “Mase is back around the group, which is great. He trained this week, so that’s a big positive for us.”

United head into the fixture on the back of a 5–2 win over Ipswich Town and will be looking to make it back-to-back Premier League victories. Luke Shaw, who was withdrawn during the Ipswich match with a fitness concern, is also expected to be available.

The injury list beyond those two remains significant. Summer signing Carlos Baleba is still recovering from the ankle problem he sustained in pre-season and must wait for his debut. “He’s got a little ankle issue — maybe a couple of weeks, maybe three. It’s no major issue, and it’ll be great to have him back,” Carrick said last month.

Manuel Ugarte is a longer-term absentee after suffering a knee ligament injury at the World Cup. He missed pre-season following surgery and no return date has been set. Matthijs de Ligt, sidelined since last November with a back problem, has returned to training but Carrick indicated the club will not rush his comeback. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton remains out with a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season, and Amad faces an uncertain timeline after picking up a muscle injury in training.

Carrick was measured in his assessment of the challenge awaiting his side at Goodison, saying: “However long I have been going to Everton, every game is as tough as it comes. Whatever position they are in, historically it has been tough. David is a terrific manager. They’ve got some talent, some very good attacking players as well. We’re expecting as tough a game as it gets.”