Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has provided a positive update on the fitness of Luke Shaw, revealing that the left-back should be back to fitness within the next two weeks.
Shaw missed the start of the 2024-25 campaign with a calf issue, while he has been sidelined since the start of December due to a hamstring injury, with the 29-year-old being restricted to just three appearances this term.
However, ahead of Thursday's Premier League clash with Southampton at Old Trafford, Amorim said that the England international could be back before the end of January in a major boost for the Red Devils.
Mason Mount is still not ready to return from a thigh problem, but the Man United head coach insisted during his press conference that the attacker would be back on the field before the end of the campaign.
"Luke Shaw is nearer than Mason Mount," Amorim told MUTV. "Mason Mount will take a little bit longer. Luke, we'll see in the next week or two. We'll see if he's returning."
© Imago
Shaw close to making Man United return
Shaw's future has recently been the subject of speculation amid the ongoing fears regarding his injury problems, but the defender has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027 and has the backing of Amorim.
Man United will also again be missing Victor Lindelof through injury against Southampton, while Diogo Dalot is suspended due to the red card that he was handed against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.
However, Harry Maguire is expected to be available despite suffering with an illness before the game against Arsenal, with the centre-back seemingly fully recovering from the problem, which was confirmed by Amorim after the match.
© Imago
When could Shaw be back on the field?
Shaw should be back in training by the end of January, and it is likely that he will then need at least a week of full-contact sessions with his teammates before it is decided when he will be available for selection again.
The clash with Leicester City in the FA Cup on February 8 could mark Shaw's return, although he may be back on the field for the Premier League contest against Crystal Palace on February 2.
Shaw is regarded as the first-choice left-sided wing-back at Old Trafford when available, although it is believed that Amorim is also keen to use the Englishman as the left-sided centre-back in a back three for certain matches.
Man United will be aiming to win in the Premier League for the first time in over a month when they host Southampton, and a victory would see them move above Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United into 12th spot in the table.
Matt Law
