Luke Shaw could miss the rest of the season having undergone an operation that would be a major blow to Manchester United's slim top four hopes, according to reports.
The Red Devils lost more ground at the weekend with defeat against Everton and losing their England left-back would further their task. Shaw went under the knife last week to remove metal screws in his leg. His rehab is now expected to take longer than was initially planned which could rule him out for the campaign following an assessment, reports the Telegraph.
It would leave Alex Telles as United's only recognised left-back with seven games of the season still to go. Shaw has not been in sensational form this term but has still been a regular at Old Trafford. The 26-year-old's operation was to remove screws in the leg break he suffered back in September 2015.
Shaw reported some discomfort whilst on international duty recently and the decision was made to remove them. United's next game is against Liverpool at Anfield whilst they still have to play rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Norwich City, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Brentford are also on the club's fixture agenda before the season ends.
Interim boss Ralf Rangnick said last week: "We had to take him off at half-time [against Leicester] and he is having problems with his leg where he had the operation back in 2015. The doctor told me they have decided to remove the metal bolts in his leg - they need to be removed - and that is happening [on Saturday] and he will be out for the next two or three weeks."
Shaw has also suffered from hamstring issues this season whilst he had coronavirus which has sidelined him. Across the campaign, he has started 26 times. The full-back's performances last term saw him start the Euro 2020 final, in which he scored the opener.
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However this term, like several of his compatriots, his form has dipped. Rangnick came in to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before the New Year but Shaw has publicly taken swipe at the environment in Manchester. Whilst on international duty he said recently: "I think everyone does (need to feel happy), really. It is always important to feel like you are wanted.
"I think especially here I always feel that. I am not saying I don't at United but especially here, the way things are, I feel wanted and I enjoy my football. A big part of football is the enjoyment.
"Of course, it is hard to enjoy when we are losing and not playing well at club level. We have to face that and, of course, this season it has not been good enough so it is hard to enjoy. We have a lot to improve at the club but I am here with England so the focus is on that."
