Manchester United confronting defensive issues ahead of Chelsea match

Manchester United is encountering a defensive dilemma prior to their match against Chelsea, with only one available senior centre-back in their traveling roster.

Head coach Michael Carrick will be missing Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, and Matthijs de Ligt at Stamford Bridge on Saturday due to suspension and injury issues.

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Leny Yoro has participated in the last six matches, but the French player was not included in the squad that traveled to London on Friday afternoon.

If Yoro is deemed unavailable, it would leave 19-year-old Ayden Heaven as the sole fit central defender available to Carrick for the encounter with Chelsea.

Heaven has not started a match since the 2-2 draw with Burnley in January.

United chose not to comment on Yoro’s possible absence when contacted by ESPN on Friday.

Maguire is sidelined after receiving an additional one-game suspension for admitting to an FA charge of improper conduct following his red card at Bournemouth in March.

Martínez is expected to serve a three-match suspension after being sent off for violent conduct in the 2-1 loss against Leeds United on Monday.

De Ligt, on the other hand, has not played since November due to a back injury.

Kobbie Mainoo is anticipated to return against Chelsea after missing the defeat to Leeds due to a minor injury.