Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has reportedly been unavailable for selection so far this season due to a knee operation which took place over the summer.
There has been confusion surrounding the Dutchman's absence, as the Red Devils have not given an official reason for his unavailability in the opening months of the 2023-24 campaign.
Malacia missed Man United's entire pre-season campaign, with his last appearance at club level proving to be the Premier League clash with Fulham on May 28.
The Netherlands international completed the full 90 minutes of the league contest against the Cottagers, and he was then an unused substitute in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Malacia was thought to be suffering with some sort of muscular problem, but according to the Manchester Evening News, he has been recovering from knee surgery.
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The report claims that the Dutchman suffered the injury last season, and Man United had initially been hopeful that pain injections would manage the problem.
However, the decision was then made for Malacia to undergo an operation, and he travelled back to the Netherlands as part of his recovery progress.
The left-back is now believed to be back in Manchester and on course to return before the end of the year in what would be a huge boost for the club.
Malacia was involved for his country in the UEFA Nations League in the middle of June, but he did not report for the start of pre-season training with Man United.
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The 24-year-old arrived at Old Trafford from Feyenoord during last summer's transfer window, penning a four-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
Malacia featured on 39 occasions for Man United during the 2022-23 campaign, including 22 appearances in the Premier League during a successful first season.
Man United's first-choice left-back Luke Shaw is also currently on the sidelines through injury, in addition to fellow defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon.
Both Varane and Reguilon could be back against Sheffield United in the Premier League this weekend, though, with the pair said to have made progress in their recoveries over the international break.
Reguilon has been absent for the club's four matches due to a hamstring problem, while Varane missed out against Brentford due to an unspecified issue.
