Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is "hopeful" that Luke Shaw will be able to return to the squad for Sunday's Premier League clash with Everton.
On Wednesday, the Red Devils confirmed that Shaw was back in training, having recovered from the muscular problem that he suffered in the team's second match of the 2023-24 Premier League season against Tottenham Hotspur in North London.
Ten Hag has said that the England international has been training for the last two weeks, and the Dutchman has outlined the left-back's chances of returning for the trip to Goodison Park.
"He's [Shaw] been training for two weeks with the team and we are quite hopeful that he will return in the squad for Sunday's game," Ten Hag told club media on Thursday.
The 28-year-old has missed Man United's last 10 Premier League matches, while he has also not featured for the Red Devils in the Champions League this season.
© Reuters
Left-back has been a problematic area for the 20-time English champions this season, as Tyrell Malacia has also not played in 2023-24 following a knee operation.
Sergio Reguilon was signed on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in response to Shaw's injury, but the Spaniard has also had his fitness issues this term.
Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Malacia and Amad Diallo are all definitely out of Sunday's game with Everton, and Ten Hag has called for 'patience' when it comes to the returns of the players who have suffered long-term issues.
"From the long-injuries, I don't think so. We have to be patient but as you see, it's not about the injured players," he added when asked for a further squad update.
© Reuters
"Of course, we know if they are back, the quality will rise but also we have others in the squad [who are] all quality players and are capable of winning games. That's why you have a squad. Now is the opportunity to play them for consistency in the starting XI."
Martinez was back at Carrington on Wednesday to watch his teammates train, with the Argentina international bidding to recover from a second foot operation of the year.
Andre Onana is set to be available to take on Everton despite suffering a pelvic issue while representing Cameroon during the international break.
However, Rasmus Hojlund's fitness remains unclear, with the Denmark international suffering a muscular strain against Luton Town before the international break.
Ten Hag is likely to provide an update on the 20-year-old's availability when he speaks to reporters during his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
Matt Law
