Luke Shaw’s first training session back in three months has greatly boosted Manchester United.
Shaw participated in the season’s first two matches against Wolves and Tottenham, but he hasn’t been able to play since mid-August due to a major thigh muscle injury.
The 28-year-old England defender is now eligible for a string of important games, beginning with Sunday’s trip to Everton, after returning to first team practice at Carrington this week.
In Shaw’s absence, United has suffered at left-back, with Tyrell Malacia still sidelined after knee surgery and loan signing Sergio Reguilon sidelined by illness and a hamstring injury.
Due to the issue, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, as well as right-footed defenders Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof, have had to step in at left defense.
Marcus Rashford’s decline in form this season has also been linked to Shaw’s layoff, depriving United of their productive duo on the left wing.
More positive news for manager Erik ten Hag comes from goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has been able to practice for the past two days despite sustaining a groin injury while playing for Cameroon on the international stage.
After being injured during the World Cup qualifying match against Mauritius, Onana took a Sunday flight back to Manchester in time for Cameroon’s draw with Libya.
He has fully healed, though, and United should start him in goal at Goodison Park.
Lisandro Martinez, who is still recovering from a foot fracture that necessitated a second operation, was not present for Wednesday’s first-team practice.
After some time at home in Argentina, Martinez is practicing alone at Carrington; but, he and Brazil’s Casemiro, the midfielder, are not anticipated to return to play until January.
Rasmus Hojlund injured his right hamstring during the victory over Luton prior to the international break, therefore he is remains doubtful for Sunday’s match.
Hojlund and Christian Eriksen, who plays for United and hurt his knee against Luton and will likely be sidelined until mid-December, were left out of Denmark’s matches against Slovenia and Northern Ireland.