Carrick remaining patient with De Ligt

The boss is fully aware that work is continuing in the background as the Netherlands international bids to return to action.

De Ligt's last appearance came in the 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace in November and, while the Reds have performed superbly since the turn of the year, it would be a welcome boost to have the centre-back available again for selection.

During the embargoed section of his press conference to preview Friday's Premier League assignment at Bournemouth, Carrick was asked the direct question of whether there is a risk the Dutchman will not return before the season is out.

“Honestly, it's difficult to say," Carrick replied. "I think it's just because it's taken that much time.

"Yeah, I can't give you any more on it, really. It's one of those things with backs that, sometimes, you think it's alright and then, all of a sudden, it's not quite right.

"So, we're just kind of being patient and working through it, and we'll just have to see.

"We’ll obviously give him time and try to get him back as quickly as we can. But it's really difficult to say. I am not trying to hide anything.

"Literally, at the moment, we don't know, so we'll have to wait and see.”

Obviously, De Ligt will not be rushed back and, hopefully, the 24-day gap after Bournemouth, before we face Leeds United at Old Trafford, will provide some time to focus on more rehabilitation.

“It's like any injury," stated the boss. "It’s trying to get the balance right. Some are a little bit more straightforward than others. Yeah, it's kind of it is what it is, really.

"Hopefully, listen, he's improving.

"It's not improving as quickly as we all hope, but we'll see how it goes.”

Our head coach was also asked if surgery might be required, in an attempt to fix the issue.

“I don't want to get into that at this stage," he replied. "I think we'll obviously try to do whatever we can to help Matta, I think, and help get him back and kind of whatever that takes.

"So, we're working through that now at the moment, to be honest, and will see. But hopefully he'll be back sooner rather than later and everything will be fine and we can move on."

Lisandro Martinez is also out of the Vitality Stadium encounter, with Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro both performing well in the 3-1 win against Aston Villa, last time out.