Erik ten Hag says Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw could be back before the October international break.
Shaw has not played for United this season as he has been nursing a calf injury that has kept him out of action.
The 29-year-old previously had a hamstring injury but returned to play for England in the final of the European Championship in July.
It was expected that Shaw would be available after the September international break, but he has not featured, with Ten Hag stating earlier this month that he is “progressing well” in his recovery.
“I think it’s probably (Shaw back before the October international break) but not 100 per cent sure,” Ten Hag said. “The plan is to just be back before but as I say I can’t say this 100 per cent, it can be short after the break.”
Ten Hag also voiced his concern of the congested fixture schedule ahead of United’s upcoming Europa League clash against FC Twente on Wednesday.
Manchester City’s Rodri recently said that professional players are “close” to going on strike due to the increasing number of matches in the football calendar. He has since been ruled out for a significant period of time due to a knee injury he sustained in his side’s Premier League draw against Arsenal.
A recent FIFPro report on player welfare concluded that the 2024-25 season is set to be the “worst” in terms of workload.
“We discuss it so many times, there are too many games, too many competitions, it’s clear,” Ten Hag said. “The players are overloaded, this is not good for football. Maybe it’s good for commercial. There is a limit, it is unavoidable.
“As a club, you can’t change this, it’s more about the total industry, it’s about clubs, players and so many others who are there in football who have to work to improve the game and find the right balance.
“At the end of the day, it’s financial. We are professional, revenues have to come, but we have to balance this out.”
(Charlotte Tattersall – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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