Luke Shaw has suffered a minor setback in his bid to return to fitness but is expected to return to Manchester United training on Monday. The left-back has not started a game for his club for almost a year, making just five appearances during that period. Shaw featured off the bench in Ruben Amorim’s first three games in charge at Old Trafford but a fresh blow in December left the England international ‘devastated’.

After another absence, Shaw was pictured back in training at the end of January. United now need the 29-year-old more than ever with Lisandro Martinez facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace. Shaw impressed in a left centre-half role under Erik ten Hag, taking up that role in Amorim’s back three system during his brief appearances under the new United boss in November and December.

Reports on social media have suggested Shaw has suffered another setback that will delay any possible return to the team for at least another four weeks. However, the Daily Telegraph report United expect the former Southampton star to be back in training at the start of next week. Shaw will still miss Friday’s FA Cup fourth round clash with Leicester City. Shaw featured in games off the bench against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt and Everton before picking up a muscle issue – one not thought to be related to the calf injury he struggled with last year.

He wrote at the time: ‘It’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forwards, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback. ‘I’ve been through a lot and had a lot of ups and downs but this has definitely been my toughest period. I’m absolutely devastated and it’s extremely tough to come to terms with reality at this moment in time.

‘I understand there is gunna [sic] be people frustrated, angry, disappointed and I understand all that. There is no one feeling that more than me at this moment in time. ‘But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed and I really do appreciate it.’.

New signing Patrick Dorgu could make his debut against Leicester on Friday night with Ayden Heaven, a January arrival from Arsenal, could also be fast-tracked into the side following    Martinez’s injury. Arrow MORE: Ange Postecoglou reveals if Mathys Tel will make Tottenham debut against Liverpool. Arrow MORE: Paul Parker names Manchester United stars who Ruben Amorim has ‘no faith in’. Arrow MORE: Chelsea hatch plan to make ‘outstanding’ Brazilian a key player next season.