Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw returned against Ipswich last month after nine months out
Luke Shaw says he is going through the “toughest period” of his career after the Manchester United defender suffered a fresh injury that is expected to rule him out for several weeks.
The England left-back made his first appearance for United since February in the 1-1 draw at Ipswich – Ruben Amorim’s first game as head coach – nine days ago.
Two more substitute outings followed against Bodo/Glimt and Everton, but Shaw is now set to be sidelined until later this month after sustaining a muscle injury.
Sources say it is a new problem and not related to the hamstring injury he suffered in February or the subsequent calf problem that ruled him out for the first few months of this season after a brief cameo for England at the Euros in Germany.
But it is a bitter blow for the 29-year-old, who has averaged just 16 Premier League starts per season over more than a decade at Old Trafford since a £28 million move from Southampton in 2014.
‘There are going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed’
In a statement on his social media feeds, Shaw said: “Hi guys, it’s hurting a lot having to write this, as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback.
“I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.
“I understand there are going to be people frustrated, angry, disappointed, and I understand all that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time.
“But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon, to help this club achieve its ambitions this season.
“Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.”