Man Utd receive timely fitness boost as long-term absentee nears return

Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia is potentially just two or three weeks away from making his long-awaited return to action after more than year out injured.

Malacia hasn’t played at club level since May 2023 because of a serious knee problem that required surgery to correct. A knock-on problem meant he had to go under the knife a second time, needing to start the rehab process all over again, which has made progress extremely slow.

The 25-year-old has been inching towards full fitness throughout the summer and into the autumn. It was hoped he might be available after the October international break, and while that has proven to be too soon, Malacia is now thought to be closer than ever.

Dutch publication Voetbal International has reported that Malacia is becoming match fit “quickly”. United are exercising caution, but it is estimated that he should be back on the pitch by the early November. If things go well, potentially even by the end of October.

The club itself later confirmed on Thursday that Malaca had taken part in the first part of group training earlier that day and “continued his progress towards recovery”.

It comes at an important time, with Luke Shaw also missing in recent months and full-back depth further depleted while Noussair Mazraoui recovers from a minor heart procedure.

United will face Brentford and Fenerbahce over the next week, followed by West Ham United on 27 October. If Malacia is fit enough, a Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City on 30 October could be the perfect opportunity to make his comeback. Erik ten Hag’s team start November with the visit of Chelsea to Old Trafford, followed by PAOK in the Europa League.

Malacia played a significant role for United during his and Ten Hag’s debut season in Manchester in 2022/23. Although not a regular starter, the defender made 39 appearances across all competitions, with his most consistent chances in the early rounds of the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

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