Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw could both make returns from injury against Southampton this weekend | OneFootball

Manchester United could welcome back two key players before their vital clash against Southampton in the Premier League this coming Saturday.

After losing two of their opening three league matches, it is imperative that the Red Devils return to winning ways as soon as possible.

During the last campaign United suffered numerous injury problems that played a significant role in derailing their season.

One player who could return to action this weekend is Rasmus Hojlund according to The Manchester Evening News.

The Dane scored in the opening 10 minutes of his first match of the season against Arsenal during their pre-season tour but had to be taken off moments later due to picking up a hamstring injury.

The exciting forward has already made a return to grass, suggesting he could be back in action in the not so distant future.

Luke Shaw is another player who could hypothetically recover in time to play a part against Southampton.

The Englishman suffered horrendous injury problems last season and despite working his way back to fitness in the summer, he frustratingly got injured before the season began.

Before the first game of the season against Fulham a club statement claimed that the defender “is working hard on his rehabilitation with a view to being available after the first international break.”

Whilst he is unlikely to start, like Hojlund, he may get a chance to return to the squad as United’s fixture intensity ramps up with the beginning of the Carabao Cup and Europa League competitions later this month.

Tyrell Malacia perhaps better than anyone symbolises United’s injury curse, as he last played for the club back in May 2023 after spending all of last season on the sidelines.

The Dutchman is slated to make a return in October but due to the severity of his injury and the length of time he has been out of action, it will be a slow, patient way back for the 25 year old to be integrated into the first team. However, the inclusion of the Netherlands international in the Europa League squad is a welcome update.

Probably United’s highest profile injury, Leny Yoro, is scheduled to return to action in November after breaking his metatarsal against Arsenal on his second appearance for the club.

The 18 year old Frenchman surprised everyone when he opted to join United over Real Madrid in the summer and made an impressive debut versus Glasgow Rangers before succumbing to injury in the first half of the match against the Gunners.

Yoro is already walking without crutches and has started work in the gym at Carrington, so perhaps the youngster will be back on the pitch sooner than expected. However, with numerous centre back options, it is vital the club do not rush him back too quickly to risk an extension to his health issues.

Mason Mount is another player who despite making a good start to pre-season and the Premier League campaign was once again struck by the injury curse.

He picked up a muscle injury against Brighton and Hove Albion and claimed he would be out for “a few games” which implies he won’t return against Southampton, but perhaps more likely in the next month.

Finally, Victor Lindelof is still out of action with a toe injury picked up over pre-season.

The Swede was pictured on crutches during the final weeks of the summer window, ending any chance he had of making a move before deadline day.

Speaking last month, Ten Hag said, “he has an issue on his toe, hopefully he can return quickly, but he is not available.”

There has been no more information on his return to action but there will be hope that this could be before the end of the month with the fixtures now coming thick and fast as the international break draws to a close.

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