Carlos Baleba faces weeks out as Carrick confirms hamstring setback

Carlos Baleba faces several weeks out with a hamstring injury, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick confirmed on Friday. In an update carried by the club, Carrick said the midfielder would not recover during the November international break, while leaving the precise severity and length of his absence unresolved.

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The Cameroon international was injured shortly after half-time in Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Roma. United's account said he had advanced into the penalty area before pulling up and holding the back of his leg. He left the pitch alongside a member of the medical staff, with Youri Tielemans coming on to replace him.

It is another interruption to Baleba's first season at Old Trafford. The Guardian reported that the 22-year-old joined from Brighton in the summer for £70 million but arrived with an ankle problem. His debut was delayed until October 10, and he had made only seven appearances before suffering this latest injury against Roma.

Baleba will miss Sunday's meeting with Aston Villa, United's final match before the international pause. The club's published schedule lists a return to action at Liverpool on November 22, followed by Sporting Club on November 25 and Brentford on November 28. Carrick's update did not identify which fixture might mark the midfielder's return.

There was a more encouraging, though still cautious, update on Patrick Dorgu. According to the Guardian, the defender trained with the squad at the start of the week after a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Denmark during the previous international break. Carrick said his recent hamstring problems needed careful management and did not confirm that he would be available against Villa.

United are 17th in the Premier League, above the relegation places on goal difference, the Guardian reported. Speaking on the 40th anniversary of Alex Ferguson's appointment, Carrick said rebuilding the club's success would require time and realistic expectations. The latest injury removes Baleba from his immediate plans while the manager waits to establish whether Dorgu can rejoin the matchday squad.