Why Luke Shaw misses Man Utd training after Champions League injury scare

Luke Shaw was absent from Manchester United’s training session ahead of their Champions League clash with Sabah.

The left-back started every one of United’s Premier League games last season, benefitting from the lighter schedule with no European fixtures to contend with.

United are back in the Champions League after a two-year absence, opening their campaign at home to Azerbaijan side Sabah FK at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Michael Carrick’s squad trained at Carrington on Wednesday morning with Shaw missing the session, along with Matthijs de Ligt. Harry Amass was seen taking part.

United were interested in signing a left-back during the summer transfer window with Newcastle star Lewis Hall emerging as their top target.

As the window progressed, focus instead turned to a cheaper alternative with Barcelona star Alejandro Balde and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas two options considered.

The window closed last week however with no new addition coming through the door.

Any injury for Shaw would leave United light on the left with Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui likely to be tasked with coming across to provide cover.

The former Southampton youngster has started all three Premier League games this season but his absence from training on Wednesday raised the inevitable question of how United will replace him in the starting XI.

Shaw’s absence on this occasion however was a planned one. The 31-year-old did not take part in Wednesday’s session as he was on a designated rest day, along with de Ligt who is working his way back from a major back injury.

Carrick could consider changes for Thursday night’s game with the derby against Manchester City looming on Sunday.

Amad Diallo remains sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up just days before the new season started. Carlos Baleba is also working his way back from an ankle injury he suffered during Brighton’s pre-season preparations.