Mata Welcomes Shaw Back To Training

Luke Shaw returned to training on Monday and the Manchester United defender was welcomed back by his team-mate Juan Mata, who posted an image of the pair together on Instagram.

Shaw suffered a double fracture of the leg during the UEFA Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven back in September and he has been working hard on his rehabilitation ever since.

Louis van Gaal has provided several positive updates on the England international throughout the season and, encouragingly, he returned to the training pitch on Monday with a club physio.

After completing his first session since suffering the injury, Shaw posed for a photo with Mata and the Spanish forward posted it on his personal Instagram account with the caption: “My friend @LukeShaw23 just came in from running out on the pitch! Getting closer.”

Speaking at his weekly press conference last Friday afternoon, van Gaal told reporters that Shaw was set to return to training and the manager admitted the 20-year-old’s recover was going well.

“Luke Shaw shall start his first training sessions on the pitch next week,” van Gaal said. “So far it has all been on the treadmill, in the gym or in the swimming pool and so on. Now he can train for the first time with his body weight on the pitch, so it is going great for Luke.”

Asked if Shaw could play again this season and potentially in the FA Cup final, should United get there, van Gaal said: “I am still saying that to him! I hope for him but it shall be very difficult.”