TYRELL MALACIA’S return still has no timeframe – 14 months after his last Manchester United game.
The left-back and unsettled English winger Jadon Sancho were the two noticeable absentees from training pictures issued by United this week.
The nine-cap Dutchman, 24, missed all last season following knee surgery.
It’s understood Malacia is continuing his recovery away from the first-team.
The former Feyenoord ace was Erik ten Hag‘s first signing as Red Devils’ boss in July 2022.
But he’s been out of action since featuring in a 2-1 home win over Fulham on May 28, the final day of the 2022-23 campaign.
The uncertainty over Malacia’s return means it’s hardly a shock United have been linked with other left-backs this summer.
But it’s a surprise to many that Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, 27, is the latest name on the list of reported targets.
Wolves’ Rayan Ait Nouri has also been mentioned.
But the 23-year-old Algerian could cost up to £60million.
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United were plagued by fitness issues at left-back last term – but at least the situation over main man Luke Shaw looks increasingly bright.
The 28-year-old was a risky pick for England’s Euro 2024 squad.
But he returned as a sub as the Three Lions went on to bag a late leveller and sink Switzerland in a quarter-final shootout on Saturday.
And he insists he’s fully fit for Wednesday’s tie with the Netherlands.
Shaw said: “The last four months have been really tough.
“I was expected to come back a lot sooner but went through quite a few setbacks.
“But I’m here now and it was really nice to get on the other night.
“I’ve been itching to get some minutes. It’s been a long while but really pleased that I was able to get on the pitch and of course, now hopefully get some more in the next game.”
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