Man Utd injury boost as forgotten star finally trains for first time this season
Tyrell Malacia has finally returned to training - but the left-back is still a while away from making his Premier League comeback.
Malacia, 24, hasn't played for Manchester United this season after suffering a knee injury. That has left Erik ten Hag short at left-back, with Luke Shaw also picking up a problem. Loan stars Sergio Reguilion and Sofyan Amrabat have tried to fill the void.
United were initially unsure how to treat Malacia's injury. It's believed they used injections to ease the pain but eventually decided surgery was the best course of action. The Netherlands international now has a return to full first-team training in his sights.
Malacia visited United's Carrington training ground on Monday to do some light ball work away from the main group. Players often return to light training when they are within a month of making their comeback, which will be music to Ten Hag's ears.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Malacia could be available for selection as early as next month. It was initially feared that he would be out until the New Year - missing United's busy Christmas period and the Champions League group stage.
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Malacia came through the ranks at Feyenoord before joining United in July 2022. The Dutchman made 39 appearances in all competitions for Ten Hag's side last season as Shaw's understudy, helping them win the Carabao Cup and reach the FA Cup final.
Malacia's most recent competitive appearance was for his country in June, when the Netherlands lost 4-2 to Croatia in their Nations League semi-final. It's understood he first suffered his knee problem during last season's Premier League campaign.
Tyrell Malacia is back in light training (Getty Images)How much have Manchester United missed Tyrell Malacia? Let us know in the comments below!
Ten Hag told reporters in August that Malacia "will take some time" to recover from his injury. The United boss will want him back sooner rather than later, with Shaw nursing a muscle injury. Like Malacia, it's hoped Shaw will make his comeback next month.
Lisandro Martinez (foot), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hamstring), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Amad (knee) and Jadon Sancho (internal suspension) are also unavailable for selection. Casemiro missed United's 2-1 win against Sheffield United with a knock but is fit again.
Casemiro won't be involved in Tuesday's Champions League clash against Copenhagen after being sent off in United's last European game against Galatasaray. Reguilion might also miss Tuesday's game, having just recovered from a hamstring complaint.
"Sergio was fit (on Friday), trained all last week and yesterday he was part of training and today he will train and we have to assess if he is ready and game fit and can be involved in the squad," Ten Hag told reporters. "We have to see if he is fit enough to be available."
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