Carlos Baleba facing weeks out as hamstring injury adds to United setbacks

Carlos Baleba will miss several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in Manchester United's 3-2 Champions League victory over Roma on Tuesday. Michael Carrick confirmed the setback on Friday, with Reuters reporting that the midfielder would not return during the forthcoming international break. The United manager did not give a firm date for when Baleba could resume playing.

Watch the highlights:

The injury interrupts a season already disrupted by fitness problems for the 22-year-old Cameroon international. According to the Guardian, United signed Baleba from Brighton for £70 million in the summer, but an ankle problem delayed his debut until 10 October. He had made seven appearances before the latest setback against Roma.

Carrick said the absence would extend beyond the international window, which begins on Monday. That rules Baleba out of Sunday's Premier League meeting with Aston Villa at Old Trafford. His recovery will therefore continue beyond United's next league assignment, although the manager's update did not establish how many club matches he would ultimately miss.

There was a more encouraging development concerning Patrick Dorgu, who has returned to training after a hamstring problem sustained while representing Denmark during the previous international break. The Guardian reported that Carrick remained cautious about bringing him back, pointing to the need to manage his hamstring issues. His involvement against Villa was still uncertain.

The injury updates came as United marked 40 years since Alex Ferguson's appointment as manager. Asked whether the club could again reach the standards associated with Ferguson, Carrick said rebuilding required time and a realistic assessment of recent history. He maintained that improvement was possible, while stressing that success could not be achieved immediately.

United approach the Villa match in 17th place, with Reuters reporting that they are seeking their first Premier League victory since August. Tuesday's European win has therefore been followed by confirmation of another spell without Baleba. Dorgu's return to training offers a possible addition to Carrick's available players, but neither midfielder Baleba's comeback date nor the defender's weekend participation has been confirmed.