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Luke Shaw’s substitution during the Sunday match at Villa Park has raised eyebrows, with concerns about the defender’s fitness coming to the forefront.
Erik ten Hag, speaking to Sky Sports post-match, clarified the situation, stating the move to pull Shaw at half-time was merely a “precaution.” According to Ten Hag, Shaw had voiced some concerns, prompting the decision to not risk aggravating any potential issues, especially given Shaw’s history with injuries. “He had some complaints and we can’t take any risks with him because he’s had any injuries in the past. We’ll have to see how it goes in the next few days,” Ten Hag elaborated, expressing the importance of Shaw to his defensive strategy and the adjustments required in his absence.
Major insights have come from InsiderUnited, a well-regarded social media channel with connections inside the club, which disclosed that Shaw is expected back at Carrington for training TODAY. While he is set to undergo a thorough assessment by the club’s medical staff, the sentiment within the team is optimistic about his availability for the upcoming fixture against Luton, barring any new findings.
The 2023/2024 season has seen Ten Hag’s squad grappling with numerous injuries, particularly in the defensive lineup, impacting the team’s overall performance. Currently, alongside Shaw’s concerns, United are without Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia due to injuries. This has led to speculation that Victor Lindelof may be called upon to fill the left-back position if Shaw is deemed unavailable for future games.
As the team prepares for their next game against Luton Town on Sunday, February 18, there’s a focused effort to establish a recovery plan for Shaw. The coming days will be crucial in determining his readiness, with the medical team working closely to ensure his swift return to the pitch.
