Erik ten Hag says Luke Shaw is progressing in his recovery from a calf injury but cannot put a timescale on the Manchester United defender’s comeback.
Shaw hasn’t played for United since February but returned to make three appearances for England at the Euros before he was injured again.
It has left United without a recognised left-back because Tyrell Malacia has been absent for 16 months due to knee problems.
Right-back Diogo Dalot has deputised but struggled in the 3-0 win against Southampton on Saturday when he conceded a penalty.
Ten Hag gave a largely positive update on Shaw but was reluctant to say when the 29-year-old defender will be available again.
‘He is progressing well,’ said the United boss. ‘Of course we have a plan in our head when he can be ready, but you’re always dependent on how the progress will go.
‘You can’t make a suggestion because there are so many factors, a plan can accelerate or slow down.’
Ten Hag confirmed that Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt are all available for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Barnsley at Old Trafford after going off at Southampton.
But Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Victor Lindelof are still not able to return. ‘They are not ready for tomorrow. We will see for 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 that it is good to have selection options for Barnsley after last season’s injury problems.
‘It’s a nice headache,’ he said. ‘I hope I have headaches because last year I also had headaches but there were no players available.
‘I have many players available and we can make a selection from game to game.
‘Definitely we have to rotate because we have to cover so many games. It’s not only about the starting XI.’