Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Luke Shaw is hopeful of being fit for the 2021/22 season opener following rib injury
According to The Guardian, Manchester United star, Luke Shaw is hopeful that he will be available for selection for our season opener against Leeds United in August.
This comes after it was revealed that the player injured his ribs during England’s campaign at the Euros. Shaw was one of the tournament’s standout performers and played a key role in the Three Lions making it all the way to the final. He made three assists throughout the competition and also gave England the lead in the final against Italy.
It is all the more impressive considering Shaw played through a rib injury that he sustained in England’s Last 16 win over Germany. The 25-year-old has shown both grit and ability in what has been an excellent 2020/21 campaign for club and country.
His bravado, however, could cost him going into the new campaign. United are a bit concerned with the player’s condition and are set to assess the issue as soon as they can. Shaw could very well end up missing the whole of the preseason and maybe the opening game against Leeds. (h/t Metro)
Currently, on a break, Shaw has around three weeks to prove his fitness. The Red Devils begin their Premier League campaign with a crunch clash against Leeds at home. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are dogged competitors and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need his best players available.
If Shaw does miss out, the Red Devils can always welcome back Alex Telles to the starting XI. The Brazilian has not put a foot wrong since joining United. It is a testament to Shaw’s improvement that he has had to play second fiddle to the Englishman so far.
The fact that Shaw is optimistic regarding his chances is a good sign. United will do well to not risk the player until he is completely fit. It has been a long and gruelling season for the 25-year-old and it is imperative that we do not rush him back before he is ready.
More Manchester United News
- Transfer News: Manchester United pondering over the future of Facundo Pellistri
- Transfer News: Manchester United enter the race for Piotr Zielinski
- Injury News: Van de Beek and Martial return to Manchester United training
Given that he has had to go through two penalty shootout losses in the same summer, Shaw will need to be physically and mentally fit for the new campaign. Any potential absence will be a blow for United. But then it also shows how far the 25-year-old has come in the last two seasons.
