The international break came at the perfect time for Manchester United as not only were the results going wrong, the injuries were starting to become an issue too.
From a pre-season that rendered them without the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Victor Lindelof, and Leny Yoro, to the competitive fixtures where Mason Mount was injured, the list was getting longer.
Therefore, this two-week break between the games will allow the team to rest and reset as none of the injured players were deemed fit enough to be called up.
It will also allow Erik ten Hag to take stock of the current situation and work to get the campaign back on track.
That will be helped by these three players who could all potentially make their return after the international break, against Southampton on September 14.
1- Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund recently stepped up his recovery from the thigh injury he suffered in pre-season vs Arsenal.
The initial timeline for his return was 5-6 weeks, which is done now as he picked up the injury on July 27.
The club will be extremely cautious with his return as he has become somewhat of an injury-prone player so a start against Southampton is out of the question.
Having said that, it would be a surprise if he wasn’t on the bench to build his fitness back up with a potential 10-15-minute cameo.
With a more forgiving game (at least on paper) vs Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on September 17, he can progressively increase his match load to get full fitness back.
2- Luke Shaw
Shaw is likely to return to the squad vs Southampton barring another setback in recovery as he picked up a calf injury at the start of pre-season training.
United released a statement confirming the same on August 13 and added that he’s working on his rehab to be available after the first international break.
That ends with the game against Southampton and with Diogo Dalot impressing at left-back, the need for Shaw to rush back is zero.
Expect Noussair Mazraoui and Dalot to continue as fullbacks while Shaw follows the Hojlund template of a minor cameo here to follow it up by increasing his minutes vs Barnsley.
A starting spot is no longer guaranteed for the Englishman.
3- Victor Lindelof
Of the three names mentioned here, this is the one who could miss out on making the squad even if he’s fit to contribute.
Lindelof last played in the pre-season game vs Liverpool where he came off at half-time. Ten Hag has since confirmed that he has a toe injury.
It probably prevented him from moving on this summer but now that he’s here, it adds more strength in depth to the defensive ranks.
Maguire, De Ligt, and Martinez will be coming back from a grueling international break so having another option there is sensible.
It would be a surprise if Lindelof makes the squad vs Southampton but he should nonetheless be available. An appearance against Barnsley is more expected than hoped for.
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