Erik ten Hag outlines Luke Shaw availability vs Everton and issues Manchester United injury update

Luke Shaw could make the Manchester United squad that faces Everton on Sunday after returning to training.

However, Erik ten Hag says the club must be “patient” with the recovery of several long-term absentees including Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro. Both are not expected to play again in 2023 but Shaw could make the matchday for the first time since August.

The left-back has been on the training pitch within the last fortnight as he completes his return from a muscular injury that has kept him sidelined for 14 weeks. “He’s [Shaw] been training for two weeks with the team and we are quite hopeful that he will return in the squad for Sunday’s game,” Ten Hag told club media on Thursday.

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Many have suggested Shaw has been United’s biggest injury loss this season amid a shortfall at left-back. Tyrell Malacia has not played since last season having had surgery on a knee problem while loanee Sergio Reguilon has missed five matches through injury and illness.

Meanwhile, Martinez and Casemiro are also injured, while Amad - yet to play this season - and Christian Eriksen - out for a month - are also sidelined with knee injuries.

Ten Hag said he could not give an update on those with long-term setbacks, adding: “From the long-injuries, I don’t think so. We have to be patient but as you see, it's not about the injured players.

"Of course, we know if they are back, the quality will rise but also we have others in the squad [who are] all quality players and are capable of winning games. That’s why you have a squad. Now is the opportunity to play them for consistency in the starting XI.”

There is yet to be an