Kobbie Mainoo named in Manchester United’s squad for Chelsea clash

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been included in the club’s 22-man travelling squad for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the 21-year-old is among the players who travelled to London on Friday after returning to training earlier this week.

Mainoo had missed United’s previous four matches through injury, including defeats against Como and Bournemouth, but his return provides head coach Michael Carrick with another midfield option ahead of the important encounter.

However, United will be without Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw, who have not recovered sufficiently to make the trip.

Rashford has been struggling with hip and thigh problems, while Shaw continues his recovery after missing the club’s recent fixtures.

Manchester United’s 22-man travelling squad

Goalkeepers: Senne Lammens, Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Dermot Mee.

Defenders: Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt, Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui.

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Carlos Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans.

Forwards: Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, Shea Lacey, Joshua Zirkzee.

Mainoo’s return comes at an important time for United, who are looking to respond after consecutive defeats against Como and Bournemouth.

The midfielder’s availability gives Carrick additional flexibility in the centre of the pitch, although his limited training time means a starting position is not guaranteed.

United travel to Stamford Bridge hoping to return to winning ways against a Chelsea side that will also be looking to strengthen its position in the Premier League.