According to a report by Football.london on Thursday October 29, 2026, Michael Carrick could welcome Kobbie Mainoo back for Manchester United’s Premier League visit to Chelsea after the midfielder returned to training.

Mainoo has missed United’s last four matches with a muscular problem. His return would strengthen Carrick’s midfield, although the match may come too soon for him to start.

United head into the fixture under pressure after a heavy Premier League defeat to Bournemouth and a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League. Chelsea are also looking to respond after losing to Liverpool on penalties in the Carabao Cup.

The hosts have several fitness concerns of their own. Reece James, Emiliano Martínez and João Pedro are reportedly unavailable, while Maxence Lacroix is a doubt after leaving the Liverpool match with a suspected hamstring injury.

Pep Chavarría and Jamie Gittens are also recovering from injuries. Emmanuel Emegha, meanwhile, returned as a substitute at Anfield.

Cole Palmer is available after serving his suspension in the cup. Although he was sent off in the league last weekend, the dismissal does not rule him out of the match against United.

Mainoo’s absence has forced United to adjust their midfield options, with Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba featuring. Baleba has also been dealing with an ankle problem.

United remain short of options elsewhere. Luke Shaw is still unavailable, leaving Diogo Dalot to cover at left-back.

Marcus Rashford has been managing a hip issue and was absent from recent training-ground photographs, though he has been working individually in the gym. Carrick has suggested Rashford is nearing a return.

Benjamin Šeško is expected to be out for longer. The striker has been dealing with a shin problem since May, and The Athletic has reported that he could remain sidelined until 2027.

United’s medical staff are assessing the best treatment, with an extended period of rest reportedly required.

Carrick previously said Šeško was undergoing further checks and that a return date had not yet been set.

Patrick Dorgu is also unavailable after sustaining a hamstring injury during the international break. His last United appearance was the 1-1 draw with Fulham in late September. Manuel Ugarte remains a long-term absentee following a serious knee injury.