A Manchester United player who has been out of action for 17 months is reportedly nearing a return.
Defender Tyrell Malacia hasn't seen a minute of action since June last year, when he last played for the Netherlands in a Nations League game against Croatia.
The Netherlands left-back was Ten Hag’s first signing as United manager following a £14.7million move from Feyenoord two years ago, and made 39 appearances in his first season at Old Trafford.
However, the last time he lined up for United was May 2023 as he missed he entirety of last season due to a double knee surgery.
He arrived at Manchester United over two years ago with hope that he could add depth to the left back position with constant concerns over Luke Shaw's fitness levels.
Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia is nearing a return a return after 17 months out
Erik ten Hag will welcome the return of the man who was first first signing for the club
Things have not panned out as Malacia would have hoped but things are beginning to look brighter, according to Voetbal International.
They claim that the left-back 'is now almost fit again and may be in action before the end of the month.'
The report adds that United want to be cautious with his return but his progress means he could be seen back on the pitch before the end of the month.
Since joining the club, he has played just 39 times, which came in the 2022-23 season.
He played 22 times in the Premier League as United finished third in the table, as well as nine games in the Europa League, four in the FA Cup and four in the Carabao Cup.
In September, United manager Erik ten Hag said of his return: 'Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it's not so easy when you are so long away.
Dutchman Malacia has been out of action for 17 months after undergoing knee surgery
'Over a season now from an injury to return, but he's working very hard, he's progressing really well in this moment.
'He's making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it's natural. I expect also, soon, he can return into games then.'