Manchester United have confirmed that full-back Luke Shaw will miss “an extended period” after picking up another muscle injury.
Shaw was forced off with an injury in the 45th minute of Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Sunday, being replaced by natural centre-back Victor Lindelof. It was the second time in as many weeks that Shaw had to be subbed off with an ailment – also pulling up during the away win over Aston Villa on February 11.
The left-back has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, missing 16 games across a three-month period between late August and late November during the current campaign.
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In a statement released on the club’s official website, Man Utd confirmed that Shaw is now back on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.
“Luke Shaw has sustained a muscle injury and will be out for an extended period,” the club said. “Further assessment is still needed to determine the severity but we expect him to be absent for a few months.”
The news will come as a bitter blow to Man Utd, whose recent upturn in form notably came following Shaw’s return to action. The injury also leaves Erik ten Hag without any natural left-back options in his squad, with Tyrell Malacia also being sidelined. Malacia is yet to play this season thanks to a knee injury which required surgery.
In Shaw’s stead, Erik ten Hag is expected to turn to Lindelof once again to play on the left hand side of his back four. The Sweden international has featured as Man Utd’s left-back on five occasions already this season.