TYRELL MALACIA'S return still has no timeframe - 14 months after his last Manchester United game.
The left-back and unsettled English winger Jadon Sancho were the two noticeable absentees from training pictures issued by United this week.
The nine-cap Dutchman, 24, missed all last season following knee surgery.
It's understood Malacia is continuing his recovery away from the first-team.
The former Feyenoord ace was Erik ten Hag's first signing as Red Devils' boss in July 2022.
But he's been out of action since featuring in a 2-1 home win over Fulham on May 28, the final day of the 2022-23 campaign.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
The uncertainty over Malacia's return means it's hardly a shock United have been linked with other left-backs this summer.
But it's a surprise to many that Chelsea's Ben Chilwell, 27, is the latest name on the list of reported targets.
Wolves' Rayan Ait Nouri has also been mentioned.
But the 23-year-old Algerian could cost up to £60million.
Most read in Football
MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
United were plagued by fitness issues at left-back last term - but at least the situation over main man Luke Shaw looks increasingly bright.
The 28-year-old was a risky pick for England's Euro 2024 squad.
But he returned as a sub as the Three Lions went on to bag a late leveller and sink Switzerland in a quarter-final shootout on Saturday.
And he insists he's fully fit for Wednesday's tie with the Netherlands.
Shaw said: "The last four months have been really tough.
"I was expected to come back a lot sooner but went through quite a few setbacks.
"But I’m here now and it was really nice to get on the other night.
"I’ve been itching to get some minutes. It’s been a long while but really pleased that I was able to get on the pitch and of course, now hopefully get some more in the next game."
SUNSPORT'S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Arsenal and Manchester United are on high alert with Marc Guehi set to reject Crystal Palace’s new contract offer, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Donny van de Beek is set to leave the Red Devils for a €500k fixed fee plus several add-ons.
Amanda Staveley is set to quit her role at Newcastle this summer after three years leading the club.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.