Erik ten Hag expects Man Utd defender Tyrell Malacia to miss the rest of the season as injury hell continues
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has provided an update on the injury status of defender Tyrell Malacia, indicating that the Dutch left-back is unlikely to feature for the remainder of the season due to ongoing fitness issues.
Malacia made his move to Manchester United from Feyenoord during the summer of 2022, marking one of ten Hag’s initial signings at Old Trafford. In his debut season in the Premier League, Malacia demonstrated his capabilities by briefly displacing Luke Shaw in the starting lineup, amassing 39 appearances across all competitions.
However, the current campaign has been marred by injury woes for the Dutchman. Despite initial optimism, Malacia has yet to make a single appearance this season. He underwent surgery during the summer to address lingering fitness concerns, and his recovery has been beset by setbacks, preventing him from returning to action.
Erik ten Hag previously hinted at Malacia’s imminent return, but recent developments suggest that he may be sidelined for the entirety of the 2023-24 season. The slow progress of his rehabilitation has dashed hopes of his comeback in the remaining matches of the season.
Malacia’s absence has compounded Manchester United’s defensive woes, especially given Luke Shaw’s extended spells on the sidelines due to various injuries. Shaw, the England international, endured a two-month layoff earlier in the season due to a muscle injury and is now facing another setback that could sideline him for the rest of the campaign.
The absence of both Malacia and Shaw has left a void in the left-back position for Manchester United. With Sergio Reguilon’s loan stint ending in January, the club finds itself without a recognized left-back, forcing manager Erik ten Hag to deploy Victor Lindelof in that role in recent matches. The defensive reshuffle underscores the challenges faced by Manchester United as they navigate through a season riddled with injury setbacks in their quest for success.