Man Utd confirm fresh injury blow as defender undergoes another surgery

Manchester United have confirmed left-back Tyrell Malacia has undergone further surgery on his knee after suffering a setback in his recovery.

Malacia had an operation on his knee during the summer which has kept him out of action ever since, but he is now facing several more months on the sidelines after further surgery.

"Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia is on course to return to action early next year, as he recovers from a knee injury," a statement read. "Unfortunately, he suffered a setback during his rehabilitation, which required further surgery.

"This has been successfully completed and Malacia is now back at Carrington and working hard to be fit early in the new year."

• LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF 90MIN'S TALKING TRANSFERS PODCAST: RATCLIFFE'S MAN UTD PLANS, HAALAND'S EXIT CLAUSES & MORE!

Malacia's issue has contributed to a significant injury problem for United manager Erik ten Hag season.

The boss recently welcomed first-choice left-back Luke Shaw back from his own injury absence, while Sergio Reguilon, signed as emergency loan cover for both Shaw and Malacia, has struggled with fitness at times as well.

United remain without fellow defenders Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans, leaving Ten Hag with just seven fit players across his back line.

Further forward, midfielder Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount all remain sidelined alongside young winger Amad Diallo, while Jadon Sancho continues to train away from the senior group after his falling out with Ten Hag.

READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP