According to a report by Metro on Saturday October 31, 2026, Manchester United are expected to be without four players for their Premier League encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, despite receiving a boost with Kobbie Mainoo closing in on his return from injury.

The Red Devils travel to west London hoping to secure a positive result, but head coach Michael Carrick will have to contend with several injury problems affecting his squad.

Mainoo is among the positive developments for United after returning to training on Wednesday following a muscle injury that forced him to miss the club's last four matches.

The 21-year-old was also spotted among the 22-man Manchester United squad boarding the train to London from Stockport Station on Friday.

Carrick had earlier confirmed the midfielder's progress, saying: "Kobbie has done a little bit of training yesterday. So, he's back and around the group, so that's obviously positive."

However, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw were not spotted among the travelling players, raising further doubts about their availability against Chelsea.

Rashford has been struggling with a hip injury and missed United's recent defeats against Como and Bournemouth. His return date remains unknown, with the club yet to provide further details about his condition.

Shaw has also missed the last four matches, having last featured in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham. His continued absence has created problems at left-back, particularly after United decided against signing another player in that position during the summer transfer window.

Patrick Dorgu is another expected absentee as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the September international break.

Benjamin Sesko completes the list of four players expected to miss the Chelsea encounter, with the Slovenia international facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines because of a shin injury.

Sesko initially suffered the problem in the spring and missed the entire pre-season campaign. After returning to action and starting just two matches, the injury resurfaced in September.

Carrick recently admitted that the club were still uncertain about the striker's recovery timeline.

"We're still not clear on exactly how long but it's going to be a longer period of time," the United manager said.

He described Sesko's situation as unfortunate and acknowledged that his absence was a blow to the team.

Mainoo's potential return will therefore provide some encouragement for Carrick as Manchester United prepare for a difficult test against Chelsea.

The midfielder's availability could strengthen United's options in the middle of the pitch, although it remains unclear whether he will be fit enough to start at Stamford Bridge.