CC BY-SA 2.0. OTF Logo added.
Erik ten Hag has offered an injury update on Tyrell Malacia, finally placing a timeframe on his potential return.
Manchester United fans have been kept firmly in the dark about Tyrell Malacia’s injury ever since he suffered the problem last April. The Dutchman missed the whole of the 2023/24 season, while he will not feature on this pre-season tour.
Erik ten Hag hasn’t really fully revealed the extent of the issue, most likely due to the fact that the club themselves weren’t really sure what the problem was. Hence, Malacia had to go under the knife twice in order to correct the knee.
Malacia was spotted back out on the turf doing some individual training a week or so ago, which was encouraging. However, once again, we weren’t really given any firm information in regard to when to expect him back.
However, Ten Hag has finally placed a timeframe on a potential return for Malacia, claiming that he could return in around two months. The gaffer added that Malacia is now in a ‘good place’ following months and months of problems.
Check out what the gaffer had to say in full on Tyrell Malacia here:
“He is now in a good place,” Ten Hag told media, including the MEN, “but he is not here because I only took players who could play games or be available for team training.
“He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation. At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games.
“I think it would be possible (for Malacia to return) in two months.”
Now it’s down to Malacia to stay focused, keep positive and slowly work his way back. United need to give him the time he needs to build up gradually, rather than rushing him into the mix too soon.
Make no mistake about it, having Malacia back could be massive. It means Diogo Dalot can fully focus on playing right-back, rather than having to fill in over on the left when Luke Shaw needs a rest or is out injured.
For the whole squad, it’s a big lift. I guess now it’s all about hoping that Malacia can return to the sort of form he was displaying before his injury. After what will be eighteen months out, it is not going to be an easy process for the Dutchman to rediscover form. I’d imagine it’ll be well into 2025 before we see anything close to his best.
Do you think Tyrell Malacia will be able to return to his best after so long out? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
