Carlos Baleba: When the injured midfielder could make his Man United debut | OneFootball

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Carlos Baleba has been waiting for a dream move to Manchester United since last summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Baleba agreed personal terms with United a year ago, but Brighton & Hove Albion refused to open the exit door. Regardless, the Cameroon international reportedly made it clear to his camp that he only wants to move to Old Trafford.

Baleba’s wish is set to be fulfilled this summer, with multiple reports claiming the Red Devils are in advanced talks with Brighton and all parties are keen to finalise the transfer this time around.

Injury update on Carlos Baleba

However, Carlos Baleba may have to wait a while for his Manchester United debut should the deal go through.

The 22-year-old is recovering from an ankle ligament injury he suffered in pre-season. He returned for pre-season training in July but has not featured in any of Brighton’s summer friendlies after the setback.

However, United are pressing ahead with a deal as the injury is not expected to keep Baleba out for an extended period.

According to BBC’s Simon Stone, the injury will keep Baleba out for “two or three weeks” and is not considered a major issue.

Taking the lack of pre-season action into account, the Cameroonian should be available for selection by the end of September. This coincides with the first international break, which begins on Monday, 21 September, and ends on Tuesday, 6 October.

How many games Carlos Baleba could miss for Man United if deal goes through

Accordingly, Baleba’s United debut could be delayed until October.

During this period, Michael Carrick’s men play five games in the Premier League, starting with an away trip to Hull City over the weekend.

Baleba would also miss United’s Champions League match in September as well as a Carabao Cup third round tie.

Mateus Fernandes was regarded as the Red Devils’ priority midfield target this summer. Incidentally, United’s first game after the international break will be against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on 10 October.

This may allow Baleba an opportunity to show he should have been the club’s priority all along.