‘Touch-and-go’: National manager voices concerns over vital United man’s fitness, says they have to ‘work’ it out

There’s no doubt that Gareth Southgate would’ve called Luke Shaw up to his England squad today had the defender been fit.

Like so many other times in Shaw’s career, that hasn’t been the case this time around.

The Manchester United star is nursing his third injury complaint of the term and isn’t expected back in action until the closing stages of the campaign, though the prospect of him not featuring again in 2023/2024 hasn’t been ruled out. So far this season, he has missed 24 club matches in all competitions.

It’s caused an enormous selection headache for Erik ten Hag, who is having to navigate the absences of his only two recognised left-backs (Shaw and Tyrell Malacia). Centre-back Victor Lindelof and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat have stepped in to deputise for the sidelined Reds. 

As for Southgate, he’ll be able to cope with Shaw’s unavailability this international break, as the Three Lions have just two friendlies on the calendar for March. However, a greater concern is the upcoming Euros tournament; Shaw has played a vital role for his nation in recent years – especially the Euro 2021 final when he scored England’s only goal of the game before they fell to a penalty shootout defeat.

Southgate expresses Shaw worries

Asked whether the 28-year-old’s situation could be described as ‘touch-and-go’, Southgate told reporters (via the Metro): “Well, we have to say yes is the answer to that because the timelines would suggest he will only be available in the dying embers of the season. You don’t know what version of the player you are going to get.

“We might have everybody that is currently injured back and available and how fit and how match fit and how robust to get through a tournament, we are going to have to work that out as well in the next few months.”