Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has confirmed that Carlos Baleba faces several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during the club’s 3-2 comeback victory over AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League.
The Cameroon international was forced off shortly after half-time at Old Trafford on Tuesday, November 3, after pulling up in pain during an attacking move, bringing an unfortunate end to his involvement in an otherwise memorable European night for the Red Devils.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Aston Villa, Carrick revealed that the midfielder’s recovery would take several weeks, ruling him out of the immediate fixtures and the November international window. “Carlos, we don’t know exactly [the severity], but it’ll be a number of weeks out,” Carrick stated.
Baleba had made a promising start to the encounter against Roma, partnering Kobbie Mainoo in midfield from the opening whistle for the first time. The pair brought energy, physicality and composure in possession as United looked to turn around a difficult first-half performance.
However, the 22-year-old’s evening ended abruptly when he surged towards Roma’s penalty area in the opening minutes of the second half before clutching the back of his leg and going down in discomfort. He eventually walked off with assistance from a member of the medical staff, making way for Youri Tielemans.
The United manager further indicated that Baleba’s absence would extend beyond the international break, suggesting that the club would have to wait longer before welcoming him back into contention.
“Definitely not this week and not over the international break, it will be a little bit longer yet,” he added.
Another Frustrating Injury Setback
The latest setback represents another frustrating chapter in Baleba’s early Manchester United career, having already experienced an injury-disrupted start following his summer arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The midfielder missed United’s opening fixtures of the campaign after sustaining an injury at Brighton that delayed his competitive involvement and prevented him from immediately establishing himself in Carrick’s midfield plans.
After returning from injury, Baleba gradually worked his way into the team and has now made seven appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils, including five starts.
His involvement against Roma was particularly encouraging, as his first starting partnership with Kobbie Mainoo offered Carrick another potential midfield combination for the remainder of the campaign.
However, the hamstring injury means the Cameroon international must once again undergo rehabilitation, with another period away from competitive football threatening to disrupt the progress he had made since returning to fitness.
Tielemans Emerges as Alternative
Baleba’s absence presents Carrick with another midfield selection challenge, particularly after the former Brighton player had begun to earn greater involvement in the team.
Youri Tielemans, who replaced the injured midfielder against Roma, made a positive impression after coming off the bench and demonstrated his ability to contribute during a difficult contest.
The Belgian’s introduction proved timely as United completed an impressive comeback, with Bruno Fernandes converting a penalty before Matheus Cunha struck twice late in the game to secure a 3-2 victory.
The result ended United’s nine-match winless run across all competitions, providing a much-needed boost after a difficult period.
Carrick was particularly impressed with Tielemans’ response to being introduced unexpectedly, praising his personality, character and contribution to the team.
With Baleba unavailable for the coming weeks, the Belgian has strengthened his case for a more prominent role as United attempt to maintain the momentum from their European comeback.
United Prepare for Demanding November
United’s immediate attention turns to Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, which will be their final assignment before domestic football pauses for the November international break.
The Red Devils will return to action on November 22 with a trip to Liverpool before hosting Sporting Club in European competition on November 25. Brentford will then visit Old Trafford on November 28 to conclude the month’s fixtures.
Baleba is expected to miss those encounters as he works towards recovering from the hamstring problem, although his eventual return will depend on his rehabilitation and progress under the club’s medical team.
For Carrick, the priority will be finding the right midfield balance without one of his emerging options while ensuring United build on their victory over Roma.
For Baleba, another spell on the sidelines is an unwelcome setback after finally overcoming the injury that delayed his introduction to the team.
Having made seven appearances since joining from Brighton, the midfielder must now begin another recovery process before resuming his efforts to establish himself at Old Trafford.
READ ALSO: Mahama Wants AU and G20 Debt Relief to Deliver for Africa
