Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Luke Shaw is nearing a return to full fitness.
Shaw has been limited to just three substitute appearances this season after struggling with knee and calf injuries until the end of November. But after playing the final half-hour in Manchester United's win over Everton, Shaw suffered a setback.
He has been sidelined since then and has missed ten games so far, with the Englishman not yet fit enough to play against Southampton on Thursday. Tyrell Malacia was also out of favour, with right back Diogo Dalot deployed on the left.
Malacia will have a chance to impress against the Saints with Dalot suspended. But in welcome news, United boss Amorim has confirmed Shaw is speeding up his recovery.
' Luke Shaw is closer than Mason Mount, it will take a little longer. But we'll see for sure, Luke, in the next two weeks. We will see if he returns,” Amorim said ahead of the match against Southampton.
“That's very important, to have these opportunities to see other players, to change the team sometimes to have fresh legs and a fresh mind. So it's an opportunity for another player. We just have some doubts about players who were very tired in the last game.
“We cannot afford to lose many games of players and our players are ready to meet the demands of the game. There are no changes to the available players. I think this next game will teach me more about my players than the previous two.
“I'm very focused to see what kind of match we're going to play tomorrow. So tomorrow I'll learn more. Like I said: [it’s] because there is no expectation in the last two games. No one believed that we could deliver a great performance or [be] win a game. But now they expect us to win and play well, so I will learn more in this match.”
Shaw's impending return could have a major impact on United's plans for the January window. According to The Athletic, a left-footed left-back remains a 'long-term priority' for the Red Devils.
It is said that they also assessed options this month ahead of a possible move. But if Shaw returns in the coming weeks, the search for a new left-back could be put on the back burner.
With other parts of the squad looking increasingly weak, Shaw's comeback would allow Amorim to focus on other priorities. That said, Amorim and United may be wary of putting too much faith in Shaw given his injury problems.
Along with Dalot, Shaw and Malacia, summer signing Noussair Mazraoui completes United's current stable of full-backs. That number could increase further if United decide Shaw is still a long way from being fully fit.
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