Man Utd midfielder absent from training ahead of Hull City game

WHAT HAPPENED
Manchester United announced that Mason Mount was not present at first-team training as they prepare to open the Premier League season away to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday. Mount has not been seen in training since sustaining a knock in the friendly against Paris Saint-Germain and missed the subsequent friendlies with Leeds and AC Milan.

Meanwhile Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt have returned to group training after a shin and a back problem respectively. The pair have rejoined team work but the club indicated they may need more time before being available for the weekend.

KEY CONTEXT
- Mount played a prominent role in United’s pre-season, operating from a deeper midfield position and earning positive attention.
- Sesko and de Ligt were sidelined through separate issues during pre-season; their reintegration is the latest step in United’s preparations ahead of the opening fixture.
- United travel to face Hull City, a newly promoted side, in the first league match of the campaign and are widely expected to win.

WHY IT MATTERS
Mount’s absence removes a player who had been influential in pre-season from contention for at least the immediate build-up, which could affect how United set up in midfield. The return to training of Sesko and de Ligt increases squad options in attack and defence once they are match-fit, but their availability for the opener is not guaranteed.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Manager Michael Carrick is due to give a fitness update in his Thursday press conference; that briefing should clarify Mount’s status and any short-term plans.
- Monitor whether Sesko and de Ligt are selected or named in the matchday squad as the club assesses their readiness over the coming days.

KEY FACTS
- Mason Mount has been absent from training after a knock picked up in the friendly versus Paris Saint-Germain.
- Mount missed the last two pre-season friendlies against Leeds United and AC Milan.
- Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt have returned to first-team training following shin and back problems.
- Sesko and de Ligt may not be ready for the opening weekend but are expected to be involved in the coming weeks.
- Manchester United open their Premier League season away to newly promoted Hull City and are widely fancied to secure a comfortable victory.