Michael Carrick is set to return to training with Manchester United this week, but there remain questions over when he will play again.

Carrick, 36, has played just once for United so far this season, appearing in September’s 4-1 win over Burton Albion in the League Cup.

However, after the game, Carrick complained of feeling sick and dizzy.

After a couple of days off, Carrick returned to training to again complain of similar symptoms, which, according to the Sun , have left Old Trafford medical staff mystified.

Carrick hasn’t appeared on a United bench since the 1-0 win at Southampton on September 23, even while United have been without other midfielders.

Carrick's only appearance this term (
Image:
Matthew Peters)

Little has been made publicly of the ex-England midfielder’s absence. Again Carrick watched the weekend win over Spurs, as Anthony Martial’s goal claimed a 1-0 win. Again he is set to be missing from the Champions League clash against Benfica on Tuesday night.

Ahead of the meeting with Liverpool earlier this month, Jose Mourinho, when asked about Carrick’s possible involvement, simply stated: “I know he cannot play, I know that."

Carrick has played almost 400 games for United since his £18million move from Tottenham in 2006 and as the elder statesman of the dressing room he didn’t expect to be playing every week.

But his six-week absence has been a worry for United, particularly at a time when Paul Pogba has been out injured and Marouane Fellaini has also been absent.

Carrick has featured just once this term (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

It has been hoped that Carrick will return to training this week, with a trio of Midlands clubs all eyeing a potential January move.

Premier League West Brom and Leicester have both made overtures to potentially end his stay at Old Trafford in January, while Steve Bruce and Aston Villa have also been linked.

With Pogba, Fellaini, Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic all ahead of Carrick in the pecking order, and Scott McTominay impressing Mourinho and his staff, Carrick could find his opportunities squeezed even more when he does eventually return.

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