Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia is ‘just weeks away’ from a return to action. The Dutchman, who joined United from Feyenoord in July 2022, made 39 appearances during his debut season at Old Trafford but hasn’t featured since playing for the Netherlands in the Nations League in June 2023.
A month later, the 25-year-old underwent surgery on a knee injury but that did not go as planned. Malacia underwent another operation on the issue, which meant he didn’t make a single appearance for United or the Netherlands during the 2023/24 season.
It has been a long road to recovery for Malacia, who hasn’t played for United so far this season but was spotted in training last month as he continues his bid to get back to full fitness. There is a positive feeling from club staff over Malacia’s progress and he could be set for a return to action soon.
According to Dutch media outlet Voetbal International, Malacia is ‘very close’ to playing again and could even return to action by the end of October. United are being cautious with Malacia, but the report continues that if his return is not at the end of this month then it should happen in early November.
United are back in action on Saturday when they host Brentford at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side have made a dismal start to the season, winning just three of their opening 10 matches and the pressure is increasing on the Dutchman ahead of the clash with the Bees – which has been described as ‘must-win’ by some.
However, Ten Hag does have some selection headaches going into the fixture. He has somewhat of a defensive injury crisis after Harry Maguire was forced off against Aston Villa and is expected to be out for the next couple of weeks, while Noussair Mazraoui is set to miss the game after undergoing a minor procedure.
Luke Shaw is not fit either, meaning Lisandro Martinez or Jonny Evans might have to be used at left-back with Diogo Dalot moving over to his preferred right-back berth.
At centre-back, Victor Lindelof hasn’t started a match so far this season but did come on at half-time during the goalless draw at Villa. The Swede is an option in central defence, as is Casemiro who has played in that position before, while Matthijs de Ligt could be recalled after dropping to the bench against Villa.