Erik ten Hag provides encouraging injury date on Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia has been on the sidelines since last season
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Tyrell Malacia is making “really good” progress in his recovery from the injury that has kept him sidelined since the 2022/23 season.
The Netherlands international did not feature for Manchester United last season following knee surgery.
However, he was spotted training individually on the pitch in July.
There had been little information about Malacia’s return until last week, when he was included in the 25-man squad for the initial phase of the Europa League.
Supporters interpreted this as a sign that Malacia is close to making his comeback.
In his pre-match interview ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Southampton, ten Hag revealed that, while precautions are still being taken, the 25-year-old is expected to be ready to contribute to the team soon.
“Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away,” Ten Hag said.
“Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment.
“He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural.
“I expect also, soon, he can return into games then.”
Malacia was the first senior player to join the club following Ten Hag’s appointment, arriving from Feyenoord in July 2022.
During his debut season, he made 39 appearances, with his most recent match coming against Fulham on the final day of the 2022/23 season.
In the following season, Malacia spent much of the campaign on the sidelines, though he was present for the celebrations at Wembley after the team won the Emirates FA Cup by defeating Manchester City in the final.
With Luke Shaw still sidelined, Diogo Dalot is currently the preferred choice for the left-back position.
However, young talent Harry Amass has been integrated into first-team training and was also included in the Europa League squad.
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