According to a report by London Evening Standard on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Manchester United are preparing for their Premier League meeting with Chelsea amid concerns over the fitness of several players in Michael Carrick's squad.

The Red Devils head into the fixture under pressure following their disappointing 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Their recent performances have raised questions about the team's consistency, while the continued absence of key players has limited Carrick's options in different areas of the pitch.

Manchester United avoided fresh injury setbacks during the Bournemouth game, but the club still has several players working towards full fitness. With Chelsea scheduled to host United on Saturday, October 31, the coming days could prove important in determining who will be available.

Here is the latest situation concerning six Manchester United players and their possible return dates.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford remains a doubt for Manchester United as he continues to deal with a hip injury that has disrupted his availability.

The England international was unavailable for the Champions League fixture against Como after experiencing the problem. His absence came after he had been left on the bench for the match against Leeds United.

Rashford subsequently missed the defeat against Bournemouth, leaving Carrick without another attacking option during a difficult period for the club.

Manchester United are understood to be focusing on his recovery, with the intention of ensuring that he is fit enough before returning to competitive football.

However, the club has not provided a definite date for his comeback. His chances of featuring against Chelsea will depend on how quickly he recovers and whether he can return to training without further complications.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo could provide Manchester United with a welcome boost if he becomes available for the Chelsea encounter.

The midfielder has been missing from the team after suffering a muscular injury that affected his preparations ahead of the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

His absence has reduced Carrick's choices in midfield, particularly as United attempt to regain control of matches and improve their overall performances.

There have been encouraging signs regarding Mainoo's rehabilitation, with Carrick previously suggesting that the youngster could require around ten more days before being ready to return.

That timeframe places the Chelsea fixture on October 31 within the possible window for his comeback.

Nevertheless, United will need to assess his condition carefully before deciding whether he can be included in the squad.

Potential return date: October 31 against Chelsea.

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw continues to recover from an injury that has kept him out of Manchester United's recent matches.

The defender's absence has created a selection problem for Carrick, who has had to consider alternative options at left-back.

Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are among the players who could provide cover in that position while Shaw remains unavailable.

Shaw's experience and defensive qualities would be valuable against Chelsea, but his recovery does not appear to be progressing quickly enough to guarantee his involvement in the upcoming fixture.

Carrick has previously indicated that the defender may need additional time compared with Mainoo.

Without a confirmed return date from the club, Manchester United must prepare for the possibility of facing Chelsea without him.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu is another player whose absence is expected to continue into Manchester United's next Premier League match.

The defender sustained a hamstring injury while representing Denmark against Wales in the Nations League. He reportedly experienced the problem around 30 minutes into the encounter and was unable to continue playing.

Medical examinations were subsequently carried out after he returned to Manchester to establish the extent of the injury.

Carrick has indicated that Dorgu will need several weeks to recover, making Saturday's clash with Chelsea an unlikely opportunity for his return.

His continued absence means United may have to maintain their existing defensive arrangements until he is declared fit.

Potential return date: November 2026.

Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko's fitness remains another concern for Manchester United as the club looks to improve its attacking output.

The Slovenian striker has been struggling with a recurring shin problem that has interrupted his involvement in recent weeks.

After initially returning to action, Sesko reportedly experienced further discomfort and missed United's last three matches following the international break.

His absence has left Carrick with fewer options in the centre-forward position, increasing the importance of finding an effective attacking combination for the Chelsea game.

Sesko could make a significant difference when he eventually returns, but Manchester United have not announced when he will be available again.

The club will continue monitoring his condition before determining when he can resume full training and competitive action.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious ligament injury while representing Uruguay against Spain at the World Cup.

The midfielder required medical assistance before being carried off the pitch on a stretcher, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.

His injury has prevented him from featuring for Manchester United this season, leaving Carrick without another option in the middle of the pitch.

Given the nature of the problem, Ugarte is expected to remain unavailable for several months as he continues his rehabilitation.

A return during the spring or summer of 2027 has been suggested, although his actual comeback will depend on his recovery and subsequent medical assessments.

Potential return date: Spring or summer 2027.

Manchester United now face an important period as they prepare to take on Chelsea, with Carrick hoping that at least one of his injured players can return in time to strengthen the squad.

Mainoo appears to be the most realistic candidate for a possible comeback before the weekend, while the situations involving Rashford, Shaw and Sesko remain uncertain. Dorgu is expected to require more time, and Ugarte faces a considerably longer recovery.

United must now balance their preparations for Chelsea with the need to avoid rushing injured players back into action. With pressure mounting after the Bournemouth defeat, Carrick will be eager to find the right combination to improve the team's performance and give the supporters a reason for optimism.