According to a report by Metro on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is expected to be without four players for Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea, although Kobbie Mainoo could provide a boost as he moves closer to returning from injury.

Mainoo travelled with the United squad to London ahead of their meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, raising hopes that the midfielder could be available for selection.

The 21-year-old has missed the club's last four matches due to a muscle injury. During that period, United suffered three defeats and recorded one draw, highlighting the importance of his possible return.

Carrick provided an encouraging update on Mainoo's recovery earlier in the week, confirming that the midfielder had returned to training.

"In terms of good news, Kobbie has done a little bit of training yesterday. So, he's back and around the group, so that's obviously positive," the United manager said on Thursday.

However, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw were absent from the 22-man travelling party pictured boarding the train at Stockport Station.

Shaw has missed United's last four matches, with his most recent appearance coming in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham.

His continued absence has created difficulties at left-back and renewed questions about the club's decision not to sign another specialist in that position during the summer transfer window.

Rashford is also expected to miss Saturday's encounter. The forward was an unused substitute against Leeds earlier in October before missing subsequent defeats against Como and Bournemouth due to a hip problem. United have yet to provide a definite return date.

Patrick Dorgu remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the September international break.

Benjamin Sesko completes United's injury list, with the striker not expected to return until January at the earliest because of a shin problem.

Sesko initially suffered the injury in the spring, forcing him to miss the entire pre-season programme. Although he eventually returned to action, he managed just two starts before the problem resurfaced in September.