Weds afternoon update: The Athletic confirm that Carrick will now be without player who’s the ‘best’ in his position vs CFC

Harry Maguire will be unavailable for Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.The FA have confirmed that the 33-year-old will serve a further one-game ban for misconduct, having already been suspended for the defeat to Leeds United following his red card in matchweek 31. EXCL: Harry Maguire getting a one-game ban as FA uphold charge of misconduct. Means Maguire misses Chelsea trip.#MUFC appealing Lisandro Martinez red card but sense is unlikely to be overturned. Could be a CB partnership at Chelsea combined age 39 ⬇️https://t.co/7Zb4MVBkU3 — Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) April 15, 2026DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhy Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are suspended for Chelsea tripIn the draw against Bournemouth prior to the international break, Maguire, who Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston hailed as the ‘best defender in the dressing room’, was shown a straight red for pulling down Evanilson in the area, with his frustrated reaction evoking a charge from the FA in the subsequent days.  This is why it was so important to give Maguire a new contract. He’s in the winter of his career, but he’s still the best defender in the dressing room. Seems likely he’ll be suspended against Chelsea as well #mufc — Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) April 13, 2026It comes as a major blow for Michael Carrick to navigate, as Lisandro Martinez will also start his three-match ban this weekend following his dismissal for violent conduct on Monday night.The Argentine was given his marching orders after VAR and Paul Tierney analysed an incident of him pulling on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair, resulting in United being reduced to 10 men for the closing stages of the clash.While United are appealing the decision, Carrick will, for now, have to plan for Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool with the expectation that Martinez will be ruled out.He had only just returned from a two-month injury layoff, meaning it’s yet another stop-start season for Martinez at Old Trafford. Appearances Starts Injured Minutes played 15 10 16 961 Martinez’s record in the Premier League this campaign (Transfermarkt)Carrick will have to call upon young guns vs BluesAs a result, the manager will be forced to utilise a youthful centre-back partnership against the Blues on Saturday evening, with only Ayden Heaven (19) and Leny Yoro (20) available.Chelsea have been out of sorts as of late, losing four of their last five outings, but it goes without saying that Liam Rosenior will be looking to exploit United’s defensive duo.It’s also a relatively must-win encounter for United if they want to really strengthen their grip on the Champions League places.