Erik ten Hag is unwilling to give a timetable for Luke Shaw’s comeback despite providing a positive injury update on the defender – as Man United continue to operate without a recognised left-back

Erik ten Hag says Luke Shaw is recovering from a calf injury, but he cannot yet give a timetable for the Manchester United defender’s comeback.

Shaw had not played for United since February but returned and made three appearances for England at the European Championships before suffering another injury.

This leaves United without a recognised left-back, with Tyrell Malacia out for 16 months with knee problems.

Right-back Diogo Dalot was a substitute but struggled in the 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday when he gave away a penalty.

Ten Hag gave a mostly positive update on Shaw, but did not want to say when the 29-year-old defender will be available again.

Erik ten Hag refused to give a timetable for when injured defender Luke Shaw (pictured) would be able to play for Manchester United again.

But the Red Devils manager gave a positive update on his injured defender, who has not played for United since February

Shaw returned to play three times for England at Euro 2024 and has been making a comeback for his club ever since.

“He’s making good progress,” said the United manager. “Of course we have a plan in mind when he can be ready, but you’re always dependent on how the progress is going to be.

“You can’t make a suggestion because there are so many factors that can speed up or delay a plan.”

Ten Hag confirmed that Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt are all available for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third round clash with Barnsley at Old Trafford after they were knocked out at Southampton.

But Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof still can’t return. ‘They are not ready for tomorrow. We will see over the weekend how their progress will continue.’

Ten Hag had Casemiro and new signing Manuel Ugarte on the bench at St Mary’s and he admits it is good to have selection options for Barnsley after last season’s injury problems.

“It’s a pretty good headache,” he said. “I hope I have a headache because I had a headache last year, but there were no players available.

Rasmus Hojlund (pictured) will not play in United’s EFL Cup clash with Barnsley on Tuesday

Ten Hag had Casemiro (pictured) on the bench for this weekend’s win over Southampton and said it was good to have options on the pitch

‘I have a lot of players available and we can make a selection from match to match.

“We definitely have to rotate because we have to play so many games. It’s not just about the starting line-up.”