Kobbie Mainoo returned to Manchester United training on Wednesday morning, handing Michael Carrick a timely boost ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Chelsea — a game the under-pressure head coach will lead United into with his side sitting 16th in the table.
The England international took part in the session at Carrington after missing United's last four matches through injury, according to Sports Mole, raising the prospect that he could be involved at Stamford Bridge after all. It had been thought Mainoo would miss the Chelsea game too.
Four matches out, back just in time
Mainoo completed the 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on 10 October but picked up the injury during that game. He then missed the Champions League matches against Atletico Madrid and Como, and the Premier League matches against Leeds United and Bournemouth.
Carrick estimated on 20 October that the academy graduate could need another 10 days or so, and his return on Wednesday lands almost exactly on that timeline, IANS reported. How he reacts to the step up in workload will decide whether he starts at Stamford Bridge, makes the bench, or is held back for another week.
His return also comes with Carlos Baleba recently back to full fitness after an ankle injury, giving Carrick genuine options in a midfield that has lacked drive and creativity during a difficult winless run.
Rashford still missing, four definitely out
The news was not all good for Carrick. Marcus Rashford was again absent from training on Wednesday and remains a major doubt as he tries to shake off a hip injury that kept him out against Como and Bournemouth.
Manuel Ugarte, Benjamin Sesko, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu are all definitely out of Saturday's game. There was at least one more positive: Lisandro Martinez featured off the bench against Bournemouth on Sunday after recovering from a thigh injury.
Carrick is scheduled to face the media on Thursday, when he is expected to give a fuller update on Mainoo and Rashford. As reported earlier this week, Carrick stays in charge for the Chelsea game despite the pressure building after Sunday's 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.
So what does it mean?
United have taken just seven points from their opening eight league matches and have won only twice in 12 games in all competitions this season. Chelsea, fifth in the table, are also missing their leading goalscorer — Joao Pedro is out for a few weeks with a thigh injury — but Xabi Alonso's side remain favourites at home.
For Carrick, Mainoo's availability is about more than one selection decision. A midfield built around the 21-year-old's composure was central to United's best football under him, and getting his academy star back for one of the hardest away trips of the season is the first piece of good news in weeks.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Mainoo's return will not save Carrick on its own — but it gives him back the one midfielder who makes this United team look like a team. If Mainoo starts and United compete at Stamford Bridge, the conversation changes. If he is only fit for the bench and United fold again, Wednesday's boost will be remembered as a footnote. Can Mainoo inspire United to a result at Chelsea? Let us know in the comments.
