Manchester United Midfielder Carlos Baleba Suffers Hamstring Injury Against Roma
The 22-year-old was forced off the pitch during a Champions League match, casting doubt on his availability for upcoming fixtures.
Manchester United midfielder Carlos Baleba sustained a hamstring injury during Tuesday's Champions League match against Roma at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old player was forced to exit the game in the 51st minute after pulling up in visible pain during a forward run into the opponent's penalty area.
Baleba, who joined Manchester United from Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal valued at up to $94 million, was able to walk off the field under his own power before being replaced by Youri Tielemans. The injury occurred while the team was trailing 2-0, a deficit they eventually overcame to secure a 3-2 victory.
Following the match, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick expressed concern regarding the midfielder's status. "It is his hamstring," Carrick stated. "We will have to assess but initially doesn't look great." The club is expected to conduct further medical evaluations to determine the full severity of the injury and establish a recovery timeline for the Cameroon international.
This setback adds to an already challenging season for Baleba, who has been limited to only a handful of appearances for his new club. He previously missed a month of action earlier this year due to an ankle injury. His limited availability has been part of a broader struggle for Manchester United, which has faced a significant injury crisis involving several key players throughout the campaign.
The team’s recent performance has been marked by a difficult stretch, including a nine-match winless streak that preceded the victory over Roma. Carrick has had to navigate the season without several regular starters, including Benjamin Šeško, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, and Manuel Ugarte, who have all spent time in the infirmary.
Despite the loss of Baleba during the second half, Manchester United managed a dramatic comeback. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty, followed by two late goals from Matheus Cunha to secure the win. The result provides a brief respite for the squad, which currently sits just outside the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference.
Looking ahead, the timing of the injury may offer a slight advantage as the club enters the November international break. This period provides an additional two weeks for recovery, potentially allowing Baleba more time to rehabilitate before the team returns to competitive action.