Kobbie Mainoo returned to Manchester United training earlier this week, while Benjamin Sesko is expected to be out for another long period.

Injuries hinder most seasons, but with Michael Carrick struggling to win matches, Manchester United need their best players to stand up if they’re to turn results around.

It doesn’t help that key players have been out injured, like Kobbie Mainoo and the squad’s only recognised centre-forward, Benjamin Sesko. Luke Shaw is unable to play every match, and there’s no cover at left-back, while injuries continue to prevent Carrick from settling on his best midfield combination.

United got a boost this week as Mainoo returned to training, but there was bad news regarding Sesko. The Slovenian could be out of action until the beginning of the new year.

Bad news for Benjamin Sesko, but Kobbie Mainoo edges closer to return

Following reports that Sesko could be out of action until January, the journalists were eager to ask Carrick for an update. The United head coach had not revealed any specific details on the former RB Leipzig star’s latest injury up until this point.

Looking at what Carrick said, he still doesn’t give away many specifics. United are choosing to keep their cards close to their chest but the head coach accepts that this is a blow for the team.

“Yeah, unfortunately Ben looks like he’s going to be out for a period of time,” Carrick said.

“We’re still not clear of exactly how long, but it’s going to be for a longer period of time. It was the process, as I said to you before, we had to go through the process, a bit of a healing process for the injury to see how it would react and what direction to go with that.

“Even now we’re still working through it. But it’s unfortunately, obviously first and foremost, for Ben, for the kind of period that he’s had, and tried to get through it and going through this again, and for us to not have him available is obviously a blow, but we’ll try and get back, get him back as quick as we can.”

Carrick also provided a positive update regarding Mainoo, who hasn’t played for United since October 10 – a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. He missed the subsequent matches against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como and Bournemouth.

“Good news,” Carrick added. “Kobbie done a little bit of training yesterday, so he’s back in and around the group, so that’s obviously a positive.”

Carrick didn’t reveal whether Mainoo will be ready to return against Chelsea, but his presence has been missed in the team, especially with Carlos Baleba coming into the team after missing the start of the campaign through injury.

It might be too soon for Mainoo to start on Saturday, but United fans will be eager to see him get some minutes, at least. That would be a clear sign that he’s close to full fitness. It would make United stronger for the upcoming fixtures.