Luke Shaw has encountered another setback in his recovery from injury at Manchester United, further complicating his return to first-team action. The 29-year-old left-back, who has played only five times for the club in the past year, was expected to resume training after a minor issue in December but has now suffered a fresh problem.
Shaw returned to training last week but has now been ruled out of Friday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Leicester City. United expect him to be back in training on Monday. The England international described his December injury as the 'toughest period' of his career, saying he was 'absolutely devastated' by the setback.
Shaw's persistent fitness problems have justified United's decision to sign Danish left-back Patrick Dorgu for an initial £25 million on transfer deadline day. The club also allowed Tyrell Malacia to join PSV Eindhoven on loan, leaving Diogo Dalot to cover the left-back position for most of Ruben Amorim's tenure.
Since his professional debut at Southampton, Shaw has had 76 separate periods of absence, totalling 1,738 days—over four-and-a-half years—out injured. He played only three substitute appearances under Amorim before his latest injury, and is yet to start a match for the new manager.
Amorim commented on Shaw's situation, saying the defender needs to train more and spend time with teammates in small-sided games before returning to match action. Dorgu could make his debut against Leicester on Friday.
