According to a report by London Evening Standard on Monday, October 26, 2026, Manchester United are facing serious injury concerns ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League encounter against Chelsea, with several important first-team players still unavailable for selection.

The Red Devils have endured a difficult period under Michael Carrick, and their recent defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford extended their disappointing run to eight consecutive matches without a victory.

Although Manchester United managed to complete the Bournemouth encounter without suffering any additional injury setbacks, the continued absence of several key players has created significant challenges for Carrick.

With Chelsea awaiting United in their next Premier League fixture, the club will be hoping that some injured players recover in time to strengthen the squad.

Marcus Rashford

Manchester United remain uncertain about when Marcus Rashford will return to competitive action after the England international developed a troublesome hip injury.

The attacker was unavailable for the Champions League encounter against Como because of the problem, with Carrick explaining that the medical team was working towards finding a lasting solution.

Rashford had earlier remained on the bench throughout the match against Leeds United before missing the Bournemouth encounter completely.

His situation remains unclear, and Manchester United have not announced when he will be fit enough to return.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Kobbie Mainoo

Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is among the players Manchester United could potentially welcome back ahead of their important meeting with Chelsea.

The England international has been absent for four consecutive matches after suffering a muscular injury that prevented him from participating in training before the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.

However, Carrick recently offered a positive assessment of the midfielder's recovery, indicating that he might need approximately ten more days before becoming available.

Should his rehabilitation continue without complications, Mainoo could be considered for selection against Chelsea on October 31.

Expected return date: October 31 against Chelsea.

Luke Shaw

Experienced defender Luke Shaw continues to recover from an injury that has restricted Manchester United's options on the left side of their defence.

His absence has forced Carrick to explore alternative solutions, with Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven among those considered for the left-back position.

The Manchester United manager previously suggested that Shaw would require more recovery time than Mainoo.

However, no official date has been established for his return, meaning the defender could remain unavailable for the upcoming Chelsea encounter.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Patrick Dorgu

Manchester United are also without Patrick Dorgu, who sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Denmark against Wales during the Nations League.

The defender was unable to complete the international fixture after experiencing discomfort approximately 30 minutes into the match.

Following his return to Manchester, medical examinations were conducted to determine the seriousness of the problem.

Carrick subsequently confirmed that Dorgu would require several weeks to recover, making an appearance against Chelsea unlikely.

Expected return date: November 2026.

Benjamin Sesko

Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko is another important player currently unavailable because of injury.

The forward has been struggling with a recurring shin problem that previously affected his involvement during the preceding campaign.

Although Sesko initially returned to competitive football, the issue resurfaced, forcing him to miss Manchester United's last three matches following the international break.

His absence has reduced Carrick's attacking alternatives at a time when the team desperately needs improved performances and results.

The club has not communicated a definite timetable for his return.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Manuel Ugarte

Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte faces the longest recovery period among Manchester United's injured players.

The midfielder has not made an appearance for the Red Devils this season after suffering a serious ligament injury while representing Uruguay against Spain at the World Cup.

Ugarte required assistance from medical personnel and was eventually carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

The seriousness of the injury means he is expected to remain unavailable for several more months, with a return potentially coming towards the closing stages of the season or during the summer.

Expected return date: Spring or summer 2027.

Manchester United will now concentrate on preparing for their difficult trip to Chelsea, knowing that the availability of important players could influence their chances of securing a positive result.

Carrick will be particularly hopeful that Mainoo makes sufficient progress before the encounter, while the medical department continues monitoring the recovery of the remaining injured players.

With United desperate to end their eight-match winless streak, improving squad fitness and restoring confidence will be essential as they attempt to turn their disappointing campaign around.