Manchester United have posted footage of Tyrell Malacia in training as he prepares to make a much-anticipated return to the first-team fold.
The 24-year-old defender, who joined United from Feyenoord in July 2022, has not featured for the Reds since undergoing surgery on a knee injury last summer.
In fact, the Netherlands international has not played a single minute since starting the 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
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At one stage, it looked like Erik ten Hag was hopeful of Malacia's return but his recovery process "had some setbacks" and he missed the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign.
However, it appears the full-back is making progress after he was pictured working on an individual fitness programme under the close supervision of United's medical team.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to Malacia's recent training ground appearance.
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One said: "So good to have him back," while another commented: "Rivals won’t understand what it means getting Malacia back in training, next season gonna be scary."
A third wrote: "Tyrell Malacia back in training. If United don’t buy a LB this summer we’re gonna need him."
A fourth said: "Feels like a new signing," and a fifth added: "Just watching back some more old Malacia performances, there’s no denying the guy has TALENT."
Erik ten Hag will be delighted with the news. Ahead of last season's game against Everton, the Dutch manager opened up on the absence of Malacia and the impact that had on his team.
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"I think it's going to be difficult for him this season to be available. He will fight, he's back on the pitch, but not in the team," Ten Hag said in March.
"The process had some setbacks for him and he's still going forwards really slowly, and the season is coming to an end."
Ten Hag added: "We talk about one of my biggest frustrations, there [both Malacia and fellow left-back Luke Shaw having injury problems].
"You can accept, in a position, that a player is not available. But when two players are not available over the course of a season, that is very frustrating, because that is also very difficult to catch up as a team.
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"But we dealt with it in the best way, but of course it is a advantage."
Topics: Tyrell Malacia, Manchester United, Premier League, Netherlands