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Carlos Baleba could only watch from the sidelines on Tuesday evening as Manchester United pulled off a stunning comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League.
Baleba had already been substituted off when Bruno Fernandes's retaken penalty ignited the dramatic turnaround, with Matheus Cunha stealing the headlines by netting two late goals before receiving a red card in what proved to be a wild night for the Brazilian.
It was a bitter disappointment for Baleba, who was heralded as the missing piece of United's midfield overhaul when he joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in August. He was expected to be the stabilizing force in the engine room.
The Cameroonian arrived at Manchester carrying an injury, having picked up a pre-existing ankle issue during Brighton's preseason. That setback pushed back Baleba's United debut until after the September-October international break, though he had begun to make a positive impression in a side that had otherwise been struggling since making his first appearance just under a month ago.
Tuesday's match was only Baleba's fifth start for the Red Devils. There was a sense he was beginning to settle in, and this setback threatens to disrupt that momentum.
What Injury Does Carlos Baleba Have?
Baleba went down shortly after the interval of the eventual 3–2 victory, grabbing at his hamstring. The 22-year-old received treatment on the pitch but was unable to continue and had to limp off. United boss Michael Carrick was unable to provide much detail when speaking to the media post-match, though he confirmed it is a hamstring concern.
"We'll need to assess what that looks like but, initially, it doesn't look great," Carrick said.
Baleba is expected to undergo tests and scans over the coming days to determine the full extent of the damage, with staff, teammates and supporters all hoping it turns out to be minor. However, the initial visual signs suggest there may be an anxious wait ahead.
When Will Carlos Baleba Return From Injury?
Without a confirmed diagnosis, pinpointing Baleba's return date remains difficult. Hamstring injuries can range enormously in severity — from minor strains and pulls to serious tears that, in the worst cases, can result in the muscle detaching entirely from the bone.
Recovery timelines can therefore span anywhere from a few days to several months, with treatment options ranging from rest alone to surgical procedures.
Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembélé, the last two Ballon d'Or recipients, both suffered complete ruptures in 2020. Given that Baleba was largely able to walk off under his own power on Tuesday, the hope is that his injury is far less serious.
At this point, it seems reasonable to expect that Baleba will not feature again until after the November international break. United have just one fixture remaining before the club calendar pauses for the second time this season — a clash with Aston Villa on Nov. 8. The Red Devils then return to action on Nov. 22 with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool. That game is two and a half weeks away, though even a mild hamstring strain could leave Baleba's availability in doubt. A call-up for international duty with Cameroon also appears unlikely.
Baleba had initially lined up alongside Kobbie Mainoo against Roma before being replaced by Youri Tielemans. Depending on the opposition and tactical requirements, it is expected that either Tielemans or Andrey Santos will rotate next to Mainoo during Baleba's absence.
Carrick was full of praise for Tielemans following his contribution against Roma: "I thought Youri came into the game and showed exactly what he's capable of … his personality and character. He's a fantastic person, I love having him in the squad for everything he contributes."