Manchester United dealt another injury blow as Luke Shaw set for extended period on sidelines

Manchester United have been dealt another injury blow with defender Luke Shaw set for an ‘extended period’ on the sidelines due to a muscle problem.

The 28-year-old has played 90 minutes in both of United’s Premier League matches so far this season, the narrow win over Wolves and Sunday’s 2-0 defeat away to Tottenham.

However, The Athletic are reporting that he will miss Saturday’s home game against Nottingham Forest and next week’s showdown with Arsenal.

What is the extent of Shaw’s injury?

Shaw has sustained a muscle injury and while it is hoped it will be a case of weeks rather than months, he will not play again until after the international break.

The Red Devils are due to visit the Emirates on September 3 while Shaw was in line to play in England’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine a few days later, as well as a friendly against Scotland.

But he will be unavailable for those matches and even his participation against Brighton after the international break is now in doubt.

While United’s medical team are hopeful the issue is not too serious, the extent of the problem is still being assessed.

Who will replace Shaw?

Normally Tyrell Malacia would come in for Shaw but the Dutchman is still recovering from an issue picked up last season, with Erik ten Hag saying it would ‘take some time’ for the youngster to return.

He was not involved in the matchday squads against either Wolves or Spurs, with Diogo Dalot the likeliest replacement to come in at left-back.

What does this mean for Gareth Southgate?

As well as being a blow for United, Shaw’s injury represents something of a selection headache for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate who is already without John Stones and Tyrone Mings for next month’s matches.

Are there any other injuries at Manchester United?

United, meanwhile, are also without £55million summer signing Mason Mount who picked up a ‘small injury complaint’ during the defeat to Tottenham.

While the Red Devils’ initial assessment suggested it was not a major issue, it has since been claimed that the 24-year-old could face up to six weeks on the sidelines.

In better news, Rasmus Hojlund could be involved against Forest; the 20-year-old striker has been on an individual training programme due to a back injury but could make the bench on Saturday.

Conclusion

Manchester United have been dealt another injury blow with defender Luke Shaw set for an ‘extended period’ on the sidelines due to a muscle problem. The 28-year-old will miss Saturday’s home game against Nottingham Forest and next week’s showdown with Arsenal. While United’s medical team are hopeful the issue is not too serious, the extent of the problem is still being assessed. Normally Tyrell Malacia would come in for Shaw but the Dutchman is still recovering from an issue picked up last season, with Erik ten Hag saying it would ‘take some time’ for the youngster to return. As well as being a blow for United, Shaw’s injury represents something of a selection headache for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate who is already without John Stones and Tyrone Mings for next month’s matches. United, meanwhile, are also without £55million summer signing Mason Mount who picked up a ‘small injury complaint’ during the defeat to Tottenham. In better news, Rasmus Hojlund could be involved against Forest; the 20-year-old striker has been on an individual training programme due to a back injury but could make the bench on Saturday.

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