Suara.com – The series of player injuries suffered by the Manchester United squad does not yet have good news ahead of the match against Luton Town at the weekend, instead there are players who have extended their recovery periods.
In a press conference ahead of the match, Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag said that one of the Red Devils' mainstay defenders, Luke Shaw, was in doubt about appearing at Kenilworth Road.
“Yes, he is doubtful for the weekend, but we are sure he can do it,” said ten Hag as quoted on the club's official website as published by ANTARA.
Manchester United player, Luke Shaw (left) appears in the English League Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, Manchester, Thursday (2/2/2023) early morning WIB. (PAUL ELLIS / AFP)
Manchester United have won four games in a row since Shaw returned after a month out with injury.
However, the England international had to be withdrawn in the second half of Man United's last match against Aston Villa which ended in a stoppage-time win. Shaw was replaced by Victor Lindelof who played on the left side of defense.
“It was a precautionary measure (to replace him) and I think it was the right decision,” said the Dutch coach.
However, Erik ten Hag ensured that his team was still trying to maximize Luke Shaw's fitness until Sunday's match (18/2/2024).
Lindelof and Diogo Dalot will be options as substitutes if Shaw really cannot play. But unfortunately, Man United still have to wait longer for the availability of another wing-back, namely Aaron Wan-Bissaka, which has actually extended his recovery period from injury.
AWB last featured in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in January. He will be out for another few weeks after experiencing a new problem while at Carrington.
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka will need a few weeks because he picked up another injury in training last week,” said Erik.
Apart from that, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount still have to undergo rehabilitation for several more weeks to complete their recovery.
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial and Lisandro Martinez are also still recovering from groin and knee problems.
Manchester United recorded four wins and one draw in their last five matches in all competitions. The team nicknamed the Red Devils is also starting to creep closer to the Champions League zone, namely in sixth place in the standings and six points adrift of fourth place.
Previously, MU was thrown to ninth place in the Premier League standings in early February. They have also been kicked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup competitions, and only have the FA Cup tournament left.