Erik ten Hag may soon welcome Tyrell Malacia back into the Manchester United fold after almost a year out with injury.
The Netherlands international last appeared for the club in May 2023, just a few months before suffering a serious knee injury that required surgery. And after a prolonged absence, fans were elated to catch a glimpse of the United defender after video of him working out separately from the squad circulated online.
Full-back Malacia's prolonged absence from the team has been somewhat of a mystery to supporters, who have been left in the dark over the player's condition. Having arrived at Old Trafford in 2022, Malacia hasn't played a minute of this season after he suffered a knee injury in July 2023 in pre-season.
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It came at a bad time for Ten Hag, too, as United have been left short at the back during Luke Shaw's own long-term injury. Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have each received game time as makeshift options at left-back, while the likes of Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat have also been trialled there briefly.
However, many supporters will be looking forward to the return of Malacia, who showed a lot of promise in the role prior to his absence.
What do you think of Tyrell Malacia's absence? Let us know in the comments section below.
The 24-year-old had been pencilled in to return way back in the New Year, but his return was mysteriously delayed further. Since then, Ten Hag has conceded Malacia might not play at all this season.
The manager said at the time: "I think it’s going to be difficult for him this season to be available. He will fight, he’s back on the pitch, but not in the team and the process had some setbacks for him and he’s still going forwards really slowly, and the season is coming to an end."
Sergio Reguilion had been drafted in on loan from Tottenham to cover the position, but that deal was cut short in January. Ten Hag explained: "I think it’s a good question. In December, I had the talks internally, with the medical and performance [staff].
“They assured me they [Shaw and Malacia] will both be fit in January and so you will have two left full-backs. Then you have a third one, so I would always have to disappoint one full-back.”
