Man Utd set return date for Carlos Baleba
September 15, 2026 00:56
Manchester United have put a tentative return date on new signing Carlos Baleba after the Cameroon midfielder missed the start of his time at Old Trafford due to an ankle problem sustained in pre-season. He has not yet rejoined first-team training and is confirmed to be unavailable for the upcoming matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham.
The club also expects Baleba to sit out the post–international break fixtures with Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid, but he is a possible option for the derby with Leeds United on October 18.
KEY CONTEXT
Baleba completed a move to Manchester United from Brighton this summer despite carrying the ankle injury into pre-season. His performances for Brighton in 2025/26 were described as poor, with a drop in form after a transfer to United failed to materialise at that time. United currently have four points from four Premier League games and face Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.
WHY IT MATTERS
A new midfield signing being unavailable through the early part of the campaign reduces managerial options at a moment when the team has collected only a single win or draw from four league outings. Missing both domestic league and high-profile fixtures after the international break limits the chance for Baleba to help arrest United’s slow start immediately. His potential availability on October 18 represents the first realistic opportunity for him to make a competitive debut for the club.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether and when Baleba returns to full team training.
- Confirmation of squad selection for the Carabao Cup tie with Brighton, where he is currently expected to be absent.
- Whether Baleba is included in the matchday squad for the Leeds derby on October 18, the date currently cited as a possible debut.
- How United respond in the league while he remains unavailable.
KEY FACTS
- Baleba moved to Manchester United from Brighton in the summer transfer window.
- He suffered an ankle injury in pre-season and has not yet returned to first-team training.
- He will miss the upcoming matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham.
- He is also set to miss the post-international-break games versus Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid.
- He could be available for the derby with Leeds United on October 18.
- Baleba’s form dipped in 2025/26 after failing to secure a move to United; Manchester United have four points from four league games and face Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday.