Manchester United’s left-back Luke Shaw faces a significant setback, anticipating a 12-week absence from the field due to a hamstring injury incurred during the team’s recent 2-1 triumph against Luton Town.
The injury forced Shaw to exit the game shortly before halftime, amplifying concerns following a similar incident during the match against Aston Villa on February 11, where he was also substituted at halftime.
According to The Athletic, manager Erik ten Hag had conveyed optimism regarding Shaw’s fitness before the Luton encounter, but subsequent scans revealed the severity of the injury, necessitating an extensive rehabilitation period for the 28-year-old defender.
Shaw’s absence poses challenges for both Manchester United and the English national team, as he aspires to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s roster for the forthcoming European Championships in Germany.
Manchester United has grappled with left-back injuries throughout the 2023-24 season, with Tyrell Malacia sidelined due to multiple knee surgeries.
Last summer, the club sought to address the shortage by acquiring Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon on loan.
However, United opted to terminate Reguilon’s loan spell in the January transfer window, and he subsequently joined Brentford.
Shaw’s season has been plagued by various injuries, including a previous hamstring issue and a muscle injury, which sidelined him for three months between August and November 2023.
Despite returning to action in February after recovering from the hamstring problem, Shaw now faces another setback of a similar nature.
With just 15 appearances across all competitions this season, Shaw’s absence poses a considerable challenge for Manchester United, who are set to face Fulham in the Premier League this Saturday.
