Michael Carrick drops Kobbie Mainoo hint but rules two Man Utd stars out of Chelsea clash

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Kobbie Mainoo could feature for Manchester United against Chelsea this weekend as he closes in on a return from injury - but Michael Carrick has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Dorgu will play no part at Stamford Bridge.

The Red Devils head to London light defensively after Martinez was shown a red card against Leeds last time out. The Argentine joins Harry Maguire on the sidelines after the 33-year-old was handed an additional one match ban on Wednesday.

Carrick's options in midfield have been boosted by Mainoo's return to training - and the young midfielder could yet play some part this weekend.

"Kobbie is doing little bits, he's working toward it, he's doing bits, so there's a decision to be made," the Manchester United boss said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Mainoo, who was absent from the 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds after picking up a knock, has been a regular in the team under Carrick since the former Red Devils midfielder succeeded Ruben Amorim back in January.

Carrick responded "no" when he was asked if Martinez was available for Saturday, although there was no clarification over whether or not United have appealed against the three match ban he will cop as a result of his red card against Leeds.

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Dorgu has been absent since suffering a serious hamstring injury back in January. And although the left-back is closing in on a return, it won't happen this week.

Carrick said of Dorgu: "Patrick won't be [available]. He's doing well, rehabbing well and he's kind of on track, but he's not with us in terms of training. He's back on the pitch, which is positive and he's doing really well."

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Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are poised to start the game as United's centre-half pairing with no Maguire or Martinez. And Carrick talked the youngsters up when he was asked if Manchester United fans could be getting a glimpse into the future if they do indeed start together against Chelsea .

He said: "It's hard to predict the future, but we're delighted to have both of them. And the age they are, playing for such a big club, is not always the case.It's not always easy or straightforward, but I think the level they are at right now is a really good stage. The future is the future, they need to keep progressing and we'll give them the opportunity to do that. They are probably in as good as a place you can be at their age for centre-backs."

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