Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag claims that he cannot guarantee whether Luke Shaw will be available to feature in October as he recovers from a calf injury.
Manchester United have suffered a setback to their hopes of getting Luke Shaw back on the pitch after the October international break.
The 29-year-old has endured an injury-riddled calendar year, robbing him of the opportunity to feature prominently for the Red Devils and England.
Shaw last played in a Man United match back on February 18, when Erik ten Hag‘s troops recorded a 2-1 win at Luton Town courtesy of a Rasmus Hojlund brace.
Since then, the left-back has battled with numerous fitness issues, limiting him to just the single start at Euro 2024 this summer for Gareth Southgate‘s Three Lions.
That maiden starting berth of the competition arrived in the final against Spain in Berlin, where England narrowly lost out on a first-ever European Championships triumph.
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“I cannot say this for 100% sure” – Ten Hag provides worrying Shaw update
Returning from international duty, Shaw managed just a single week of pre-season training before breaking down with a calf injury, plaguing his start to the 2024-25 schedule.
It was originally planned for the ex-Southampton youngster to be back in action during September, however the defender is yet to get anywhere near a matchday squad for Man United.
Ahead of the Red Devils’ Europa League clash with FC Twente on Wednesday night, Ten Hag provided a concerning update when asked whether Shaw would be back in action next month.
“I think it is probably, but I cannot say it is 100% sure,” Ten Hag responded, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News, when questioned about Shaw returning to the field of play in October.
“The plan is just be back before but, as I say I cannot say this for 100% for sure it can be short after the (international) break.”
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What are Man United’s options without Shaw?
With Shaw’s return to the pitch not imminent, Man United will battle on for the foreseeable future with natural right-back Diogo Dalot on the left side of their backline.
The Portugal international has not looked particularly comfortable in recent matches, struggling to contain Southampton’s Tyler Dibling in a Premier League clash at St Mary’s Stadium on September 14.
Partly due to Shaw’s woeful fitness record, it is understood that Man United are looking to bolster their left-back ranks during the January transfer window.
The Red Devils are reportedly admirers of Fulham and USA defender Antonee Robinson, who is also attracting the interest of Arne Slot‘s Liverpool.