# Carlos Baleba Sidelined Until December Following Hamstring Injury Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba faces a lengthy recovery after suffering a hamstring injury. - **Source:** [Metro UK](https://metro.co.uk) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ae861af2-f218-419a-925b-24f25ac85fc0 ## Champions League Injury Setback Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba sustained a hamstring injury during Tuesday's 3-2 Champions League victory against AS Roma. The summer signing was forced off the pitch early in the second half after pulling up during a run into the box. He appeared visibly distressed while leaving the Old Trafford field. ## Recovery Timeline and Absence Manager Michael Carrick confirmed that Baleba will miss the upcoming match against Aston Villa and the subsequent international break. The midfielder is not expected to return to action until December at the earliest. This timeline rules him out for key fixtures, including the away match against Liverpool on November 22. ## Recurring Physical Fitness Issues This injury marks another significant setback for Baleba, who previously missed the opening five games of the current campaign. He had suffered an ankle injury during the pre-season period while still with Brighton. These consecutive physical issues have severely limited his availability for Manchester United since his high-profile summer transfer. ## Broader Squad Injury Crisis Baleba is not the only player currently unavailable for selection at Manchester United. Benjamin Sesko remains sidelined until at least January due to a shin injury. Additionally, left-back Patrick Dorgu is considered a doubt for the Sunday match against Aston Villa, despite recently returning to training following his own hamstring problem. ## Challenging Schedule Ahead The timing of this injury complicates a difficult period for the club. Following the international break, United faces a demanding sequence of matches, including a crucial Champions League game against Sporting CP on November 25. They will also play Newcastle, Coventry City, and RB Leipzig throughout the month of December. ## Current League Standing Pressure Manchester United enters this period of player absences under significant pressure, currently sitting 17th in the Premier League table. The team is actively searching for their first domestic league victory since August. The loss of a key midfielder like Baleba further complicates Carrick's tactical options during this critical stretch. ## Managerial Perspective on Recovery Michael Carrick addressed the media on Friday regarding the severity of the injury. While he did not provide a precise return date, he emphasized that the recovery process will extend beyond the international break. The club is managing the situation cautiously to ensure the player does not suffer further damage. ## Impact on Team Dynamics The absence of Baleba forces a reshuffle in the midfield rotation for the upcoming weeks. As the team struggles for consistency in the league, the reliance on remaining fit squad members increases. Fans and staff will monitor his rehabilitation closely as the club navigates a congested fixture list through December. ## Sources covering this story - [Metro UK — Carlos Baleba Sidelined Until December Following Hamstring Injury](https://metro.co.uk/2026/11/06/man-utd-suffer-blow-michael-carrick-reveals-long-carlos-baleba-29772298/) - [Source — Carlos Baleba Sidelined by Hamstring Injury](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/carlos-baleba-hamstring-injury-manchester-united-carrick-update/article71675343.ece) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._