Ten Hag says Axel Tuanzebe won’t be fit until after the World Cup

Add as preferred source on Google

There is no immediate positive news in sight for Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe in his battle with injury.

Tuanzebe flew to Thailand with Manchester United on pre-season tour, before returning to Manchester within 48 hours.

There was suspicion at the time that this sudden departure was transfer related. Instead there was genuine injury problems the defender was dealing with.

Tuanzebe’s injury prevented him from making a move away from United in the summer, where he is well down the pecking order.

Erik ten Hag spoke out about Tuanzebe’s situation at his pre-Tottenham press conference.

Axel Tuanzebe update

Ten Hag told the club website: “Axel is still in, working inside so he’s not back on the pitch. I think it will be difficult for Axel to return before Christmas.”

Tuanzebe has not played for Manchester United since the Europa League final, in which he came off the bench to score in the penalty shootout.

Last season he went on loan to Aston Villa and then Napoli, the latter of which was ruined by injury.

The 24-year-old played only two games for Napoli, and these are his only appearances in 2022.

Ten Hag’s comments suggest Tuanzebe is unlikely to play before 2023.

It’s very unlikely he would feature in United’s Boxing Day match against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, although this may depend on how soon Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane return from the World Cup.

There is one fixture date Tuanzebe could realistically target in 2022, the EFL Cup Fourth Round, which will be played on the week commencing December 19, one day after the World Cup final.

Manchester United must beat Aston Villa in the third round at the start of November to qualify.

Most Premier League sides featuring in the fourth round will be forced to play heavily rotated line-ups due to the timing of the matches, and this could be perfect for Tuanzebe to make his return, if he can get fit.

He is fifth choice centre-back at United when fit, at best. There is no update on the situation of Phil Jones.

Tuanzebe’s contract expires in 2023, and it would be best to part ways in January if there is a buyer. For this to happen to needs to get fit, and not suffer any further setbacks.