Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia is reportedly closing in on a return to competitive action after a lengthy period on the sidelines with a serious injury.
Malacia missed the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign with a knee problem.
It is thought that the issue necessitated two separate surgeries, which has also kept him unavailable for selection during the initial stages of the current season.
Two weeks ago, United confirmed that Malacia was able to take part in the warm-up part of a training session alongside his teammates.
The Netherlands international was then allowed to carry on with his individual programme as he stepped up his rehabilitation in an effort to gain match fitness.
Malacia last played a competitive match for the Dutch national team, in June last year, during a UEFA Nations League clash.
Steven Railston of the Manchester Evening News has now given an update on the 25-year-old’s fitness.
According to Railston, “Manchester United staff are feeling positive about Tyrell Malacia’s recent progress in his comeback from injury and there’s hope he could return to the matchday squad in the coming months.”
“Malacia has been on a long road to recovery, but it’s understood he is now closer to a return to action than ever before and club staff are feeling positive about his recent progress.”
“Malacia has been welcomed back into warm-ups in training at Carrington and a source said the quick movements in the rondos will benefit him as he steps up his rehabilitation.”
It’s understood that United will exercise caution with Malacia as they seek to steadily ease him back into full-intensity training.
Railston notes, “A source conceded they must be realistic about when he will be considered fit enough to play a competitive fixture again.”
Malacia will need to demonstrate his fitness once he reaches the level required by United to participate in competitive matches.
The full-back is expected to return around November or December but he will almost certainly not be thrust straight into the action.
MEN make a good point, that Malacia will enter the final year of his contract at the end of the season and as such, he will likely be fighting for his future at Old Trafford.
Malacia was Ten Hag’s first signing as United boss, with the left-back sealing a move to the English club from Feyenoord in a deal worth around £13m.
In his first season with the Red Devils, Malacia made 39 appearances across all competitions, including 22 Premier League outings.
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