Manchester United's squad for the Chelsea match announced, Yoro injured with only one center-back! Carrick's makeshift defense revealed

Manchester United travels to Stamford Bridge to challenge Chelsea on Saturday. The 20-year-old midfield prodigy Kobbie Maino has recovered from injury and joined the team for the trip. However, center-back Lenny Yoro missed out due to a training injury, leaving manager Carrick facing a shortage of defensive options. His squad includes only five defenders, with Eden Haven being the sole center-back.

Maino missed Monday's 1-2 loss to Leeds United due to injury, but Carrick emphasized at the time that his issue was minor. Now, the English midfielder is expected to be available for the Chelsea match, having traveled south to London with the team on Friday. Carrick explained: "Kobbie (Maino) is gradually recovering, and we are working towards the goal. He can only participate in part of the training, so further assessment is needed to determine if he can play."

Maino's return can bolster the midfield depth. However, Carrick will have limited choices in defense. Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are unavailable due to suspension, while Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Doku are sidelined with injuries. In their last 21 Premier League away matches, Manchester United have only kept one clean sheet. With personnel shortages now, the defense may face even greater challenges.

Carrick declined to directly confirm whether Manchester United appealed Lisandro's red card, only stating that the Argentine international cannot play against Chelsea. "We disagree with the decision. My feelings after the match were particularly strong, and they remain so now. But I don't wish to discuss it further; the fact is we have to accept it and move forward. Can Lisandro (Martinez) play against Chelsea? No. Regarding Harry (Maguire), there's nothing to respond. Of course, I'm disappointed. We've had many reasons for disappointment in recent weeks, but the decision cannot be changed; we must accept it and look ahead."

Now, Carrick will likely have to give 19-year-old Haven his first start. Since Carrick took charge, Haven has only made four substitute appearances. His last start was on January 7th under former manager Darren Fletcher. Regarding this, Carrick said: "I think Eden (Haven) is in good shape now. I know his condition; he's young and at the beginning of his career. So, sometimes he plays, sometimes he doesn't; that's normal."

Carrick continued: "He trains very diligently, is eager to learn, listens well to others, and has a desire to improve. So, for a center-back of his age, his appearances have already exceeded expectations. His training is good; I'm not worried. A few weeks ago, he played for England's youth team and even scored, so he certainly looks forward to this match."

Manchester United may have to choose between wing-backs Luke Shaw or Mazraoui to fill in as center-back. For maintaining structural stability, pairing Mazraoui with Haven seems more likely, allowing both full-back positions to remain with their regular starters Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw. If Luke Shaw plays centrally, then either Mazraoui or Dalot would need to cover the left-back role.

Doku has resumed individual training but hasn't yet joined team sessions; his return is not yet scheduled. Carrick explained: "Patrick (Doku) cannot play. His condition is good; he's recovering well, everything is proceeding according to plan. Currently, he hasn't trained with the full team, but it's certainly positive that he's back on the training field; his performance has been excellent."

On the Premier League table, Manchester United ranks third, leading Chelsea (outside the Champions League spots) by seven points. Chelsea has suffered three consecutive Premier League defeats; another loss here could likely dash their hopes for a top-five finish. However, historically, the Red vs. Blue clash has produced the most draws, with 27 stalemates between the two teams in the Premier League. A draw in this match would be a completely acceptable result for Manchester United.

Carrick analyzed: "This is an important match. We are in a favorable position but must continue striving. Chelsea is a strong team; our trips to Stamford Bridge are always tough. In terms of quality, such matches are always exciting. We will prepare thoroughly and rely on accumulated experience to handle this game. Despite the loss to Leeds, our performance and fighting spirit were commendable; we need to carry that into this match."

Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount, having recovered from injury, has not yet featured. Facing his former club Chelsea, the 26-year-old Englishman naturally desires to play at the Bridge. Carrick said: "Undoubtedly, he has his place at Manchester United. He is working hard to regain form and earn his spot. Of course, the coaching staff must make decisions. But Mason has a bright future here, so I'm not concerned about that."

Manchester United's 21-man squad for the Chelsea away match: Sena Ramens, Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee; Luke Shaw, Malacia, Haven, Mazraoui, Dalot; Maino, Casemiro, Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Mount, Tyler Fletcher; Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Shaye Lacey, Cunha, Sesko.