Loius Van Gaal expresses uncertainty over injured Luke Shaw's chances for Euro 2016
Louis Van Gaal has stated that Luke Shaw’s chances to play for England in the Euro 2016 championships next summer hanging by a thread. He was speaking to the media after United’s convincing 3-0 win against Everton in Goodison Park on Saturday.
United’s Dutch manager said, “He is already here every day, walking with a brace and starting his rehabilitation. For now he is doing fantastic although we cannot say whether he will be fit for England next summer, like Roy Hodgson says maybe it is 50-50 because it is possible, but it is dependable on the rehabilitation and you cannot say it now that he is going.”
“Such injuries usually require a lot of attention and care. Hurrying through the rehabilitation period can further hamper the left back's chances of returning to the field.”
Van Gaal further added, "Maybe there will be complications later, you never know. That happens a lot so we have to wait and see."
The England full-back was stretchered off in the first half of United's 2-1 Champions League defeat to PSV following a challenge from Hector Moreno.
Further tests showed that the 20-year-old fractured his right leg at two places and is expected to be out for rest of the season. Though, he was back in the training ground in crutches on October 5. He himself confirmed the news on his official twitter account.
Luke Shaw could have been the best left back at Euros: Roy Hodgson
The Three Lions had a brilliant Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, with 10 wins out of 10 matches. As reported by Sky Sports, Roy Hodgson, the England manager was counting on Luke Shaw to be a regular starter for his team in France. He even went on to say that Shaw could have been the best left back in the tournament.
Hodgson also added, "It is a cruel blow, particularly for him. England will survive and he will too but at that stage in your career to suffer that type of injury when you have almost had a year of not playing is heartbreaking and we feel for him. He knows how much we care."
Luke Shaw had made a tremendous start to the season before his injury. He cemented his position as United’s and England’s first choice left-back. The ex-Southampton star is widely believed to be the best young left back around, with some serious potential to go on and become the best. Manchester United and England fans can only hope that the 20-year-old is back to full fitness as soon as possible.