Michael Carrick.

Carrick's team news update for Chelsea test

Friday 26 November 2021 13:30

Michael Carrick has spoken about the Manchester United squad ahead of Sunday's clash in the capital with Chelsea, revealing a fresh doubt for the weekend.

Our caretaker manager is at the helm for a second match, after overseeing the impressive 2-0 win at Villarreal on Tuesday, which ended up securing top spot in Champions League Group F with a game to spare.

The Reds were without Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood for the stay in Spain, and Fred hurt his ankle at the Estadio de Ceramica but played on, after receiving treatment. 

Reds captain Harry Maguire is definitely ruled out through suspension, following his sending off at Watford last weekend.

Fred and Shaw are a booking away from a one-game ban after accumulating four yellow cards in this season's Premier League.

"We've got two or three different little issues where we're waiting," Carrick said at the pre-match press conference. "It's never ideal. You want a full squad to pick from.

"There is one or two that we're kind of waiting on. Luke took a bang on the head, we're assessing him and we'll make a call on how he is. Fred twisted his ankle. He managed to carry on and see the game out, which is pretty incredible. He played a big part in us winning.

"We'll have to see how that works out. We'll be strong and look forward to the game."

CHELSEA TEAM NEWS

The Blues have supplied an update on N'Golo Kante and Ben Chilwell, after they suffered injuries in the convincing midweek win over Juventus in the Champions League.

"Ben has a partial tear of his ACL," said boss Thomas Tuchel. "And the decision is to treat it conservatively. The next six weeks will tell the story if he makes it and will be available, or if he will need surgery.

"N'Golo twisted his knee a little bit against Juventus and feels better but it seems he will be out for some days. We still have a little hope but it's almost a miracle if he makes it."

However, forwards Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are in contention to play after returning from lay-offs. Mateo Kovacic is likely to be absent but the leaders have a powerful squad so Tuchel has plenty of options to consider.

"The possibility Romelu starts is not very high," said Tuchel about the former Reds striker. "Because we can't be sure what happens in the match."

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