Manchester United are currently battling a shortage of left-backs, a problem which has plagued the team’s entire season.
Luke Shaw has suffered four separate injuries this season, and his absences have been a major issue for Manchester United.
Tyrell Malacia has ended up missing the entire season due to his own ongoing injuries, with manager Erik ten Hag having to make-do with temporary solutions.
It’s not just Manchester United left counting the cost of Shaw’s injury. He is also posing a dilemma for England manager Gareth Southgate too.
Luke Shaw injury worries
Luke Shaw has been out since limping off during Manchester United’s win over Luton Town, and he has not been named in the upcoming England squad.
Per PA’s Simon Peach, Southgate was asked whether Shaw is ‘touch and go’ for Euro 2024 in June.
The England boss responded: “Well, we’d have to say yes is the answer to that because the timelines would suggest he’ll only be available in the dying embers of the season.”
He added that there is no guarantee Shaw will be at the level England will required, commenting: “You don’t know what version of the player you’re going to get.”
Best for Manchester United for Shaw to sit out
The best case for Manchester United is clearly for Luke Shaw to sit this one out, and miss the tournament.
That will be tough for Shaw, who might wonder how many major tournaments he has left with England.
But there is a high risk he could suffer another injury, if he pushes himself back too soon, and he could be short of match fitness.
If Shaw is not able to contribute to the end of Manchester United’s season, then it makes sense he misses Euro 2024 too.
United will need him back for a hopefully improved 2024/25, and it would be far better for him to be ready for the start of pre-season, than be one of the players joining late, having had minimal rest, or worse, returning injured.
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