Leading Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery believes Tyrell Malacia may not make a full return for Manchester United until next season.
The Dutch left-back arrived at Old Trafford in July 2022 from Feyenoord on a four-year deal for €15million (£12.9m), with a potential €2m in further add-ons. Malacia made 39 appearances in his first season for the Reds, becoming an able deputy to Luke Shaw, but he has not played since due to a knee problem.
Recent reports in the Dutch media have claimed that Malacia is ‘very close’ to playing again and could even return to action by the end of October. However, Dinney believes Malacia’s full return to first-team action is still some way off.
“I think he will be gradually integrated,” he said. “I think we’re probably looking at around about maybe 17 months. I’m sure it was around July last year when we last saw him.
“We’re approaching around 15 or 16 months now. Like I said, he could be in and around that first-team squad and training with the group and getting that experience, but is he going to be pushing consistently for a start in that first team? Highly unlikely, particularly if you get some of those other players back in that United team.”
Dinnery also believes Shaw’s availability is likely to set Malacia’s return back further. The English full-back has yet to play for United this season, but Erik ten Hag is hopeful of having his first-choice left-back available for selection soon.
“Reintegration in the team needs to be managed very, very carefully,” he added. “Your question then is, does that coincide with the return of Shaw? Is he a player who would ordinarily be considered your first-choice left-back when everybody’s fit? Probably not.
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