Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia is potentially just two to three weeks away from returning to action after more than a year out injured.
Malacia has not played at club level since May 2023 due to a serious knee problem that required surgery to correct. An impact problem meant that he had to go under the knife a second time, and he had to start the rehabilitation process again, which has progressed very slowly.
The 25-year-old has been steadily working his way to full fitness throughout the summer and into the fall. It was hoped he could be available after the October international break, and while that has proved too soon, Malacia is now believed to be closer than ever.
Dutch publication International football has reported that Malaysia is becoming a match in form “rapidly”. United are exercising caution but it is estimated he should be back on the pitch in early November. If things go well, potentially even by the end of October.
The same club later confirmed on Thursday that Malaca had taken part in the first part of the group’s training session earlier that day and “continued to progress towards recovery”.
It comes at an important time, with Luke Shaw also missing in recent months and full-back depth further depleted while Noussair Mazraoui recovers from a minor heart procedure.
united will face Brentford and Fenerbahce next week, followed by West Ham United on October 27. If Malacia is fit enough, the Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City on October 30 could be the perfect opportunity to make a comeback. Erik ten Hag’s side kick off November with the visit of Chelsea at Old Trafford, followed by PAOK in the Europa League.
Malacia played a major role for United in their debut season and Ten Hag’s in Manchester in 2022/23. Although not a regular starter, the defender made 39 appearances in all competitions, with his most consistent chances coming in the early rounds of the Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
