Michael Carrick has outlined the latest condition of his Manchester United squad ahead of Friday night’s away match against Bournemouth. The trip comes just before a 24 day pause in first team action, with United facing a side that is currently on a 10 match unbeaten run in the league.
The game is set to begin at 20:00 GMT and arrives after United’s impressive 3 1 victory over Aston Villa. As attention turns to the south coast, Carrick has given a clearer picture of which players are available and which ones are still working their way back.
Mazraoui misses training while Martinez is close
Noussair Mazraoui did not train on Wednesday after feeling unwell, while Lisandro Martinez also remained out of the session. Carrick explained that Mazraoui’s absence was due to illness rather than injury, but Martinez will not be ready for the Bournemouth match.
There is better news around the Argentine defender, though. Carrick said Martinez is much closer to a return and should be fine for the meeting with Leeds on 13 April.
Mount returns but may not start
Mason Mount is back in the squad again, although he is not expected to be in the starting line up just yet. He was on the bench but did not play in the win over Aston Villa, and Carrick suggested he is available again without indicating that he is ready for a full role from the start.
United are still missing several players in other areas. Matthijs de Ligt remains unavailable because of an ongoing back problem, while Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is also still out.
De Ligt setback continues to frustrate United
Carrick admitted the situation with De Ligt remains difficult. He said the defender is working hard to return, but the back issue is still preventing him from coming back as quickly as hoped.
That leaves United continuing to manage their defensive options carefully ahead of a demanding away fixture against an in form Bournemouth side.
Bournemouth also have concerns before Friday’s match
The hosts have their own fitness issues going into the game. Tyler Adams missed the recent draw with Burnley and his manager Andoni Iraola said his involvement against United remains doubtful.
Bournemouth have also been without Julio Soler, Lewis Cook and Justin Kluivert through injury. Ben Gannon Doak was fit enough to return to the bench last time out, while Adam Smith came into the side after Alex Jimenez started among the substitutes.
