Man United handed boost as £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba plays in behind-closed-doors friendly - with Michael Carrick sweating over injury setbacks during international break

· DailyMail

Fans have been anticipating his debut, and it appears that could come sooner rather than later after the 22-year-old featured against Swiss side Lausanne-Sport in a game held at Carrington.

Manchester United have been handed a significant injury boost with summer signing Carlos Baleba playing in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday.

Baleba, who joined the club for £70million from Brighton in the summer, is yet to play for his new side after carrying an ankle injury into the season.

Fans have been anticipating his debut, and it appears that could come sooner rather than later after the 22-year-old featured against Swiss side Lausanne-Sport in a game held at Carrington.

He had been on the bench against Fulham in United's last game before the international break – a 1-1 draw – but did not come on.

United manager Michael Carrick had previously said Baleba was 'pushing to get back as quickly as possible'.

The news comes as a huge boost for United, who have injury concerns amid the three-week international break.

Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal's game against Norway through injury but recovered to start the 4-2 win over Norway.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus described Fernandes's issue as a 'complicated' shin problem.

Noussair Mazraoui, meanwhile, hobbled off in Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations game against Lesotho earlier this week.

As the Moroccan dived in for a tackle in the 68th minute of the game, he landed awkwardly and immediately signalled towards the bench, appearing in a lot of discomfort.

Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo pulled out of England duty before the break, while Amad Diallo, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu are also fitness concerns for United.

The Red Devils' first game back after the break is on October 10, when they will take on Tottenham at Old Trafford.

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