Manchester United injury news is dominating attention ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Como, with Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven and Marcus Rashford among the players whose availability remains uncertain.
Michael Carrick‘s side travel to Italy on October 21 hoping to end their disappointing winless run, following Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Leeds United at Elland Road.
United took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo before Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised for Leeds in the second half. The result extended the club’s winless streak to six matches across all competitions.
Their last victory came in the Champions League last month, when they defeated Sabah 4-0 at Old Trafford. With another European fixture approaching, Carrick will be eager to determine which players can return and strengthen his available squad.
Several first-team players have been dealing with injuries or illness, while others remain under assessment. However, the manager’s latest comments suggest that some could be available against Como, although no return should be considered guaranteed until confirmed.
Manchester United Injury News: Martinez Faces Late Fitness Assessment
Lisandro Martinez is among the most closely watched players after being substituted at half-time during the draw against Leeds.
The defender started the match despite attracting attention earlier in the week following an outburst. However, his appearance ended prematurely after he experienced discomfort in his thigh.
Carrick explained the situation after the match, saying: “He felt his thigh a little bit.”
The comment indicates that Martinez experienced a physical problem, although the precise severity was not established in the available update.
United will need to assess the Argentine defender before deciding whether he can feature against Como. His availability could be particularly important as Carrick considers his defensive options for the European encounter.
Martinez’s possible return date is listed as Wednesday, October 21, against Como. Nevertheless, his participation will depend on his recovery and the club’s assessment of the thigh problem.
Ayden Heaven Could Return After Illness
Young defender Ayden Heaven was absent from the matchday squad against Leeds after falling ill.
His absence required Carrick to make adjustments to his selection, but the manager indicated that the changes were related to the circumstances surrounding the fixture.
” Ayden has been ill so we had to change just a couple of things really,” Carrick said.
Heaven’s situation differs from Martinez’s because his absence was attributed to illness rather than a reported muscle injury.
The defender could return for the trip to Como on Wednesday, provided he has recovered sufficiently to resume training and compete.
However, Manchester United have not confirmed that he will be available. His condition will need to be assessed before the manager finalises his squad.
Marcus Rashford’s Fitness Remains Under Management
Marcus Rashford was named among the substitutes against Leeds but did not enter the game.
Carrick revealed that the forward had been carrying a minor physical problem, prompting the coaching staff to manage his involvement carefully.
“Marcus has been carrying a little bit of something so we’re managing him to a point,” the manager explained.
The comment suggests that United have been cautious about Rashford’s workload rather than rushing him into action while he continues to experience discomfort.
His potential return against Como could provide Carrick with another attacking option, particularly as United attempt to improve their recent results.
Rashford’s possible return date is also Wednesday, October 21. Nevertheless, his availability remains dependent on his physical condition and the club’s assessment before the match.
The manager’s comments do not establish the exact nature of Rashford’s problem, so it would be premature to describe it as a serious injury.
Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo Await Updates
Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo are also being monitored after missing Manchester United’s previous two matches in all competitions.
The club has not publicly established a specific injury diagnosis for either player in the update provided by the Manchester Evening News.
Carrick offered a brief response when asked about their situations, saying: “We’ll see on Luke and Kobbie [Mainoo].”
His answer suggests that their availability had not been settled at the time of the report.
Shaw’s possible return against Como would give United another option at left-back, while Mainoo’s availability could provide additional choices in midfield.
Both players were assessed ahead of the Leeds match but did not feature. Their chances of returning for the European fixture therefore depend on their progress and the outcome of further assessments.
United supporters will be hoping for positive news, but the manager’s comments leave their participation uncertain.
Patrick Dorgu Faces Several Weeks on the Sidelines
Patrick Dorgu is expected to remain unavailable for a longer period after suffering a thigh injury while representing Denmark during the international break.
The full-back was forced off during Denmark’s match against Wales, raising concerns about the extent of the problem.
Carrick subsequently indicated that the player was likely to miss a significant period.
“Patrick came off and looks like he’ll be out for probably a number of weeks,” the United manager said.
The initial assessment points towards an extended absence rather than an immediate return.
Dorgu’s projected comeback window is late November or early December, although the precise date will depend on his recovery.
His absence reduces Carrick’s options at full-back and could require United to rely on alternative players while the defender works towards regaining fitness.
Benjamin Sesko Still Undergoes Further Checks
Benjamin Sesko remains another concern for Manchester United after missing the club’s last four matches across all competitions with a shin problem.
The striker is still undergoing medical checks, and Carrick has indicated that the club needs more information before providing a reliable recovery timetable.
“Benjamin’s kind of still undergoing a couple of checks, before we update on timelines or everything, we’re just trying to be clear with what that looks like,” Carrick said.
The manager added that Sesko remained “a little bit further away” from returning.
Those comments suggest that the striker is unlikely to be rushed back before United have a clearer understanding of his condition.
No confirmed return date has been provided. His recovery will depend on the results of the ongoing checks and the medical team’s assessment of his progress.
Sesko’s absence means United must continue managing their attacking resources while waiting for further clarity on his availability.
Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton Remain Unavailable
Manuel Ugarte is facing a prolonged absence after suffering a serious knee injury while representing Uruguay in the World Cup.
His expected return is listed for 2027, meaning he is not anticipated to be available for the upcoming Champions League fixture against Como.
The midfielder’s recovery represents a longer-term concern for United, who must plan their midfield options without him for the foreseeable future.
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also yet to feature this season after sustaining a hamstring injury before the campaign began.
His return date remains unknown, leaving uncertainty over when he might become available for selection again.
Both players are therefore outside the immediate group of potential returnees for Wednesday’s match.
Can Manchester United End Their Winless Run Against Como?
United’s upcoming meeting with Como offers Carrick an opportunity to pursue a much-needed victory, but the team’s injury situation could influence his selection.
The draw against Leeds extended their winless run to six matches, increasing the importance of securing a positive result in Europe.
The potential availability of Martinez, Heaven, Rashford, Shaw and Mainoo could give the manager greater flexibility, although each player’s condition must be established before the match.
Read also: Manchester United vs Leeds United: Tielemans impresses Carrick as United drop points in 1-1 draw
Dorgu, Sesko, Ugarte and Heaton face more complicated recovery situations, with some expected to remain out for weeks or months.
For now, United supporters must wait for further updates from Carrick and the club before knowing which players will travel to Italy.
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