Michael Carrick Injury: Updates on Manchester United Star's Calf and Return

Michael Carrick's misfortune with injuries continued when the Manchester United midfielder suffered a calf injury while on international duty with England. However, he was able to return to the starting lineup for United's match against Liverpool on Saturday.

United boss Louis van Gaal revealed Friday that Carrick was ready to face Liverpool on Saturday during his pre-match presser.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson suggested there was little to worry about Sept. 7, saying Carrick's problem "doesn't look long-term," according to Oliver Kay of the Times.

News of the veteran's setback came via the FA ahead of England's Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland on Sept. 8.

Although Carrick has been a key player for the Red Devils since he joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006, the latter stages of his United career have been blotted by a series of injury problems.

Should Carrick ever miss time for United this season, the club is at least better equipped to deal with any absence. New signings Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger are both more than capable of filling the void prospective Carrick absences would leave, while Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Marouane Fellaini are also solid operators in the centre of midfield.

Nonetheless, with his understated defensive instincts, astute positioning and incisive passing abilities, Carrick is always a big miss for the side. Thankfully, he is available to play Saturday.