Chelsea v Man Utd team news: Šeško out until January, Fernandes back after clear-the-air talks, Mainoo on the bench
Benjamin Šeško will be out until at least January with a shin injury, a big blow for Michael Carrick before Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge. Bruno Fernandes is expected to start again after talks with Carrick, and Kobbie Mainoo is back in the squad.
Michael Carrick goes to Stamford Bridge on Saturday 31 October at 12:30 UK (13:30 Spain / 20:30 Beijing) with one big blow and two pieces of good news.
The blow: Šeško out until January
Benjamin Šeško has a shin injury that will keep him out until at least January, according to reports before Carrick's press conference. It removes one of United's main centre-forward options for the rest of 2026, at a time when the team has scored only three goals in its last five games.
Fernandes back after talks
Bruno Fernandes was dropped to the bench for the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, after he had publicly criticised the team's tactics following the 4-1 Champions League loss at Como. Carrick and his captain held "clear-the-air" talks on Tuesday, and Carrick is reported to see the matter as closed. Fernandes is expected to return to the starting XI.
The numbers explain why: United have won only one of their last 11 games without Fernandes in the starting line-up.
Mainoo returns
Kobbie Mainoo is back after missing four games. "Kobbie has done a little bit of training yesterday," Carrick said. "So, he's back and around the group, so that's obviously positive." He is expected to start on the bench.
Full United team news
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Šeško | Out until at least January (shin) |
| Marcus Rashford | Very unlikely (hip) |
| Luke Shaw, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu | Out |
| Bruno Fernandes | Expected to start |
| Kobbie Mainoo | Back in the squad; likely on the bench |
| Lisandro Martínez | Could return in defence |
| Matheus Cunha | In contention to start |
Chelsea team news
Cole Palmer is available after serving his suspension in the Carabao Cup at Liverpool, while João Pedro is still out with a thigh injury. Chelsea have scored 17 goals in their last five home games but conceded in all of them. More in our Chelsea v Man Utd preview.
The pressure on Carrick
United are 16th with 7 points and eight games without a win. The club kept Carrick after the Bournemouth defeat, but Gary Neville has said they should have sacked him "for his own good" — see Neville on Carrick.
FAQ
How long is Benjamin Šeško out for? Until at least January, with a shin injury.
Is Bruno Fernandes starting against Chelsea? He is expected to, after clear-the-air talks with Carrick on Tuesday.
Is Kobbie Mainoo fit? Yes. He is back in training and in the squad, and is expected to start on the bench.
What time is Chelsea v Man Utd? Saturday 31 October at 12:30 UK time (20:30 in Beijing).
