Southampton v Man United (tomorrow, 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1)
Luke Shaw could return to England today, but Louis van Gaal has told the Manchester United defender he faces a tough physical and mental battle to return to peak form.
The left-back broke his right leg in two places during United’s 2-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday following a sliding tackle by Hector Moreno.
The 20-year-old had an operation on the night of the game and has stayed there since to continue his recovery.
After three days’ treatment, he now looks set to return to Manchester.
The United manager said: “His family is there, we have sent people with him and he will come back when he is prepared.”
Shaw had been an ever-present for United this term, and while his loss is a blow, Van Gaal feels United can cope, starting away to Southampton tomorrow.
“For us it is a big loss, as a team. I said (in pre-season) this will be the season of Luke Shaw but now it is finished nearly.
“He started so well, built up a left wing with (Memphis) Depay and Shaw, but we have to start filling it again and it is not easy.”
“We have to cope with it but it is a big loss,” he said.
“Shaw is the line-up player and it is very difficult to replace him when he is in such a good shape.
“In (Daley) Blind, (Marcos) Rojo and (Ashley) Young, we have good replacements.”
Wayne Rooney has been passed fit for United’s game at Shaw’s old club Southampton on Sunday after recovering from a hamstring problem that has sidelined him for the last two games.
“He is back, it was a minor injury and we didn’t want to take risks, but he has had training and treatment and I think he can start,” said Van Gaal.
