Manchester United has announced that Luke Shaw will miss the start of the 2024-25 season due to a calf injury. The 29-year-old defender was absent from the Community Shield match, initially believed to be due to a lack of match fitness after missing pre-season.
However, the club has now confirmed that Shaw is dealing with a calf problem, which will keep him out of action until at least mid-September.
Shaw hasn't played for Manchester United since February, having been sidelined in the latter part of the 2023-24 season due to a muscular injury. Despite this, he was able to represent England at Euro 2024, playing in three matches, including the full 90 minutes of the final against Spain on July 14.
Unfortunately, he will now miss United's first three Premier League matches of the new season against Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Liverpool.
The club's official statement mentioned that Shaw is working hard on his rehabilitation, aiming to return after the first international break. His earliest potential comeback could be against Southampton on September 14, though his recovery progress will determine his availability.
In Shaw's absence, United may rely on other options, with Tyrell Malacia still recovering from a serious knee injury that kept him out all last season. Youngster Harry Amass, 17, is a candidate to start the season opener against Fulham, while Lisandro Martinez, who played left-back in the Community Shield, could also fill in. It's more likely, however, that Diogo Dalot or new signing Noussair Mazraoui will take on the left-back role in the early stages of the campaign.
Additionally, Manchester United recently signed Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich, and the Netherlands international is expected to be in the squad for the upcoming match against Fulham.
