Michael Carrick provides Carlos Baleba injury update after £70m Man Utd move

Michael Carrick expects Carlos Baleba to be available for Manchester United within the next two to three weeks, but the midfielder will not make his debut against Ipswich Town on Sunday.

United completed the signing of the 22-year-old from Brighton this week in a deal worth up to £70million, strengthening Carrick's midfield with a player the club have tracked for more than a year.

However, Baleba arrived at Old Trafford carrying an ankle ligament injury sustained during the summer and will need more time before making his first appearance.

Carrick confirmed that the injury is not considered serious, with United hopeful Baleba will soon be available for selection.

“He’s got a little ankle issue, so maybe a couple of weeks or so, three weeks,” Carrick said.

“It’s no major issue. It’ll be great to have him back.”

That rules Baleba out of Sunday's meeting with Ipswich, while Carrick was reluctant to guarantee the midfielder will feature before the September international break.

United's final Premier League fixture before that three-week break is away at Fulham on September 20.

There is also the possibility of Baleba facing his former club before then, with United potentially meeting Brighton at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup third round.

Although United supporters will have to wait for Baleba's debut, Carrick is confident the midfielder will bring a different dimension to his squad.

“We’re delighted to have Carlos,” he said.

“Huge potential, he’s a really exciting signing for us. The quality he has, the attributes he has offset the balance of the group we’ve got.”

Carrick also believes there is significant room for further development despite the sizeable investment United have already made.

“Different strengths, different combinations. So much more to come from him as well, so it’s exciting for us.”

Baleba's arrival represents a major addition to United's midfield as Carrick attempts to build on last season's progress while preparing the squad for the additional demands of Champions League football.

For now, though, United will prioritise getting their new signing fully fit rather than rushing him into action.

Baleba will continue his rehabilitation as United prepare for Ipswich without their new midfielder.

The next two to three weeks will determine whether he can make his debut before the international break. A potential Carabao Cup meeting with former club Brighton could also provide an intriguing early reunion if Baleba recovers in time.