Carlos Baleba is expected to miss the Manchester derby as he continues to recover from an ankle ligament injury, although there is no sign of a new setback.

Man Utd set to miss Carlos Baleba for Manchester derby as £70m signing waits for debut

Manchester United are likely to be without Carlos Baleba for the Manchester derby as the midfielder continues his recovery from an ankle ligament injury.

The £70 million summer signing has still not made his competitive debut for United after arriving from Brighton with an existing fitness problem.

The latest reports suggest the Manchester City game is likely to come too soon for him.

Baleba remains a doubt for the derby

Baleba has been working his way back from an ankle injury suffered during Brighton’s pre-season preparations.

Manchester United knew about the problem when they completed the transfer.

According to the latest team news, Baleba is still not fully ready and is unlikely to be involved against Manchester City.

He has been listed among United’s fitness doubts rather than being confirmed as completely ruled out.

However, the signs currently point towards him missing the derby.

No new injury setback

There is one important positive detail for United fans.

There is no indication that Baleba has suffered a new injury or a setback in his recovery.

The problem remains the same ankle ligament issue that delayed his start at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick previously described it as a small ankle problem and said the midfielder would need time to recover properly.

That means United appear to be taking a careful approach rather than rushing their new signing back for one big match.

Baleba still waiting for his Man Utd debut

The situation is frustrating because Baleba was one of United’s biggest summer signings.

The club paid around £70 million to bring the midfielder from Brighton, but supporters have still not seen him play a competitive minute.

His absence has become even more noticeable because United are preparing for one of their biggest matches of the season.

A fully fit Baleba would have given Carrick another powerful option in midfield against Manchester City.

Why Baleba could be important for United

Baleba was signed because of his ability to control difficult midfield situations.

He is strong in duels, covers large areas and can help stop counter-attacks.

Those qualities could be especially valuable against a Manchester City side that likes to dominate possession and attack through midfield.

Without Baleba, United may again have to rely on their current midfield options.

Mainoo and Tielemans could continue

If Baleba is unavailable, Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans are among the leading options to start in central midfield.

The pair have already been used together and may be asked to handle one of the hardest midfield battles of United’s season.

Carrick will also have to manage a squad already dealing with several other fitness problems.

That makes Baleba’s absence more frustrating, even if the club does not want to take unnecessary risks.

When could Baleba return?

United’s schedule provides more opportunities after the derby.

They face Brighton in the Carabao Cup before returning to Premier League action against Fulham.

Baleba could potentially return against his former club, but the Fulham match may be a more realistic target if United continue to protect his recovery.

The club will want him fully fit before giving him his first competitive appearance.

United do not want to rush their £70m signing

The Manchester derby is one of the biggest games on the calendar.

But United also have to think about the rest of the season.

Rushing Baleba back too early could create a much bigger problem if his ankle is not completely ready.

For now, patience appears to be the plan.

A frustrating update before the derby

United fans were hoping the City game could finally bring Baleba’s debut.

That now looks unlikely.

The good news is that there is no sign of a fresh injury setback.

The bad news is that one of United’s biggest summer signings still appears to need more time.

Unless there is a late change, Carlos Baleba is expected to miss the Manchester derby as his wait for a Manchester United debut continues.