An update on Tyrell Malacia has emerged as the Manchester United man continues his road to recovery.
Two other integral first-team squad members, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez have arguably been hit the worst, with those two both out for a considerable amount of games.
As of right now – Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Shaw are all out injured. Talk about a depleted defence.
Another player who hasn’t even been available once this season is Tyrell Malacia. He’s been missing for the entirety of the 23/24 campaign.
What happened to Tyrell Malacia?
Malacia’s absence has been heavily noted around Old Trafford this season, particularly with how prominent he was around Manchester United’s first-team squad in his debut campaign.
Malacia made 39 appearances for United last season and was only missing from the matchday squad once a stark contrast to 2023/24. The troubles began in pre-season.
Malacia returned to training at Carrington on July 15th along with other United players who had been involved in end-of-season internationals.
With his knee still causing discomfort, a decision was made to undergo surgery, and the Red Devils United announced he would not head on pre-season.
Since then, he hasn’t returned. There was speculation he’d be back in January, but that never came to fruition.
There has also been worry given the fact Malacia has gone rogue on social media, adding to United fans’ concerns.
Erik ten Hag believes he’s been a big miss this season.
Erik ten Hag on Tyrell Malacia
As per a report from The Athletic, they state that the absence of the Dutch international has been a ‘key factor in United’s struggles’ this season.
They wrote: ‘Ten Hag believes the importance of Malacia’s absence has been underestimated and views it as a key factor in United’s struggles.’
It has been a problem. With Shaw out also, United have been forced to field unorthodox left-backs, which has led to a plethora of different back lines this season.
Tyrell Malacia latest injury update
The report also gives a little context as to when we will see Malacia back in action. It states:
‘Malacia has been rehabilitating away from Carrington in recent weeks as he nears the end of his recovery. The 24-year-old has instead been training abroad, travelling between Barcelona and the Netherlands to work with external rehabilitation specialists agreed by the club and player.’
‘Both parties are now focused on Malacia returning to full fitness as soon as possible, with United receiving regular reports and feedback on his progress. He is back at Carrington this week but will continue to work with an external specialist and travel between Manchester, Barcelona and his home country until he is ready to join team training.’
‘That is still a few weeks away, while Malacia is only expected to complete his recovery towards the very end of the season. Most importantly, it is expected to be a full recovery and not set to have a long-term impact.’
‘Till his long-awaited return to playing will almost certainly have to wait until pre-season at the earliest.’
A speedy recovery we hope for Malacia. It would be great to see him playing in red again next season.