Carrick includes 18yo wonderkid in training as two first-team stars miss out ahead of Arsenal clash

Manchester United have stepped up their preparations ahead of a daunting Premier League trip to face leaders Arsenal this weekend.

Head coach Michael Carrick oversaw the training session, eager to build on the momentum of his eye-catching victory over Manchester City.

The club have now officially confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee missed the training session.

De Ligt has not featured for the Red Devils since November and continues to battle a persistent back injury.

Early optimism over a swift return has faded, with his continued absence raising fresh doubts over his fitness.

Compounding the frustration, United have yet to provide any concrete timeline for the Dutch defender’s comeback.

Zirkzee was surprisingly dropped from the matchday squad that faced Manchester City last Saturday.

It later emerged that the striker had missed the high-stakes encounter due to an undisclosed injury.

While United have not formally ruled either player out of the Arsenal clash, their absence from full training represents a worrying signal for Carrick.

The Red Devils also confirmed that highly-rated teenager Shea Lacey took full part in the session.

The 18-year-old could yet feature from the bench at the Emirates Stadium, with Carrick already signalling his willingness to trust academy talent.

Lacey has made three senior appearances this season, impressing with his ability to beat his marker and deliver dangerous crosses into the box.

He missed the Manchester Derby due to a one-game suspension.

Noussair Mazraoui could also return after his nation Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .