Manchester United Louis van Gaal has given young defender Luke Shaw four days off in order to spare the injured star flashbacks of the broken leg that has put him out for the remainder of the season, according to the Daily Express.
Shaw has been given permission to avoid attending Wednesday night’s Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven as the daily trudge through rehab has been getting him down recently.
The England international suffered the horrific injury back in September when the two sides met in their group opener. He collided with PSV star Hector Moreno and faces a battle to make it back onto the pitch this term.
Van Gaal had been hoping that Shaw would prove to be the “revelation of the season” but explained that time off would be beneficial for him in his recovery.
“The first reason was that he was fed up with the daily routine,” said Van Gaal. “And the second reason I thought ‘Why he is fed up?’
“Maybe it is because of the match of PSV and every player has to watch the game from the stadium to support their colleagues.
“So I give him four days off, but on Friday he has a scan and then we will know more about how the injury is going. I don’t think he will be at the game, but I don’t know.”
The manager was also quick to deny that his players would seek retribution on Mexico international Moreno, but couldn’t promise that the United fans in the stands would be as forgiving.
“No, my players are not doing that,” he said. “I am sure of that so I don’t think that shall be an issue. I have said already that it was not his purpose.
“It is not the first time somebody is injured with a broken leg but it is of course a loss for us. For me, and for us, he is a very important player and I said in advance that he would be the revelation of the season because last season was his adaptation season.
“He was on his way to do that.
“I cannot answer whether he will be back this season because you have to be very cautious.
“You can only say how he is dealing with his injury and I think it is very good.” The focus during Van Gaal’s reign seems drawn to what United do not do, so it feels timely he can offer a reminder of the progress he is overseeing.”
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