Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia finally spotted after injury nightmare

Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has been spotted back in the gym amid a long season of injury woes.

Last summer, Malacia was unable to travel to the United States after suffering a knee injury. At the time, it was expected that the full-back would return before the end of the year.

However, complications arising from an operation pushed Malacia's return back further. In March, Erik ten Hag spoke about the defender's return to fitness: "I think it’s going to be difficult for this season to be available.

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"He will fight, he’s back on the pitch, but not in the team and the process had some setbacks and is still going really slowly forward, and the season is going to an end."

While a return before the season ends next month seems unlikely, United fans will be pleased to see that Malacia is back on the recovery trail. Rio Ferdinand's FIVE social media account shared footage of the Dutchman which was shared by the Instagram user iiszzyy_ on their story.

In the footage, Malacia can be seen doing different weight exercises as he aims to be available for the start of the pre-season which is expected to be around June and July. The 24-year-old made 39 appearances for United after being signed from Feyenoord by Ten Hag at the beginning of last season.

Had he been fit this season, Malacia would have likely received even more minutes due to the injury struggles Luke Shaw has faced. When asked about the left-back position, Ten Hag added in March: "We talk about one of my biggest frustrations is there.

"You can accept in a position that a player is not available, but when two players are not available over the course of