Malacia closing in on return

The Netherlands international didn’t kick a ball for the Reds last term, following knee surgery, but was pictured training individually back on the grass in July.

There had been no further update on the left-back until last week, when he was named in our 25-man squad for the first phase of the Europa League.

Supporters took this as a sign that Tyrell was almost ready to feature again and, in his pre-match interview to preview Saturday’s visit to Southampton, the boss confirmed that, although precautions are being taken, the 25-year-old would hopefully soon be ready to help the team.

“Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away,” the boss said.

“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.”

Malacia was the first senior player to arrive at the club following Ten Hag’s appointment, joining from Feyenoord in July 2022.

He made 39 appearances during his maiden campaign - the most recent coming against Fulham, on the final day of the 2022/23 season. 

However, he was a frustrated observer last term, although he was able to join in the celebrations at Wembley after we won the Emirates FA Cup by beating Manchester City in the final.

Luke Shaw is still injured, so it looks as though Diogo Dalot is favourite to continue at left-back for the time being, although youngster Harry Amass has been involved in first-team training, and was also named in the Europa League squad.