Erik ten Hag has just suggested that one Manchester United player might not make an appearance this season as injury problems continue.
After a season of silence around Tyrell Malacia which led to fans fearing the worst over his fitness, Erik ten Hag has finally provided an update.
The situation around Malacia has been bizarre, with his Manchester United return being put off time after time, which makes Ten Hag’s early season comments seem very misleading.
The last we heard about his status was that a January return was likely for the Dutch defender but we now sit in March and Ten Hag’s latest update is grim.
Here’s what he said…
Erik ten Hag suggests Tyrell Malacia’s season is already over at Manchester United
Speaking in part two of his pre-match press conference ahead of the Everton game, Ten Hag provided a long-awaited update on Malacia’s fitness situation.
“I think it’s going to be difficult for him this season to be available.” Ten Hag explained.
“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.”
From the sounds of this, it seems Ten Hag is prepared for the worst and expecting the Dutch defender to be out for the rest of the season. This would mean his season’s over before it even begins.
On Malacia being expected to return in January, Ten Hag also discussed his frustration at the medical staff for giving him faith.
“They [medical staff] assured me they [Luke 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.”
This explains the decision to cancel Sergio Reguilon‘s loan and send Alvaro Fernandez back on loan.
When did Tyrell Malacia get injured?
Malacia has spent the entire 2023/24 season injured for Manchester United including pre-season. Spotted at Carrington doing gym work on the first week, he didn’t travel for any game and was confirmed to be injured before a ball was kicked.
According to Samuel Luckhurst, Malacia returned from his break last summer with a knee injury which required surgery.
This surgery led to a setback meaning he required a second surgery and is now still on the road to recovery, although it’s likely he will return properly during the summer 2024 tour, meaning a whole 12 months of his career could’ve been missed.
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