Five Manchester United Players Set to Miss Atletico Madrid Clash

According to a report by Manchesterevening News on Sunday October 11, 2026, Manchester United must quickly recover from their disappointing draw against Tottenham Hotspur as Michael Carrick prepares his team for Tuesday’s Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid in Spain.

United desperately need a positive result to restore confidence after recent performances exposed weaknesses in attack, defensive concentration and their ability to control matches under pressure.

The Tottenham encounter highlighted several problems Carrick must address, but injuries are complicating preparations. Five players are expected to miss the Atletico fixture, leaving the manager with limited selection options.

Benjamin Sesko remains unavailable after withdrawing from international duty to manage his persistent shin injury. The striker’s condition is concerning, with surgery reportedly a possibility if his recovery requires further intervention.

Tom Heaton will also miss Tuesday’s match because of an abdominal injury. His absence means Karl Darlow could once again occupy a place on United’s substitutes’ bench against the Spanish opponents.

Patrick Dorgu is another doubt for the contest, with a hamstring problem expected to keep him sidelined. His absence could further reduce Carrick’s defensive options during this important European assignment.

Matthijs de Ligt is also likely to miss the match while recovering from a back problem. The Dutch defender’s unavailability would represent another setback for United as they prepare to face Atletico.

Manuel Ugarte remains the club’s longest-term absentee after suffering a cruciate ligament injury during the summer. The midfielder has undergone surgery and faces a lengthy rehabilitation process before returning to action.

While United continue managing their growing injury list, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone reportedly has no injured players to worry about, giving the Spanish side greater flexibility when selecting his starting lineup.

Sesko’s absence could prove particularly damaging because United have recently struggled to produce consistent attacking performances. Losing another forward option may force Carrick to reconsider his approach against Atletico’s organised defence.

Defensive injuries could also create difficulties, especially against opponents renowned for their intensity and tactical discipline. United must remain organised throughout the contest to avoid costly mistakes in Madrid.

Carrick will hope his available players can deliver an encouraging performance and secure a valuable result. However, another defeat could deepen concerns surrounding United’s current form and increase pressure on the manager.

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