Shaw likely to be fit for Manchester derby despite ‘slight problem’

Ian Watson
Luke Shaw: Defender called out by Jose Mourinho

Sam Allardyce says Luke Shaw withdrew from the England squad due to a ‘little muscular ache’ and the left-back should be fit for the Manchester derby.

Shaw returned to Manchester United before the England squad travelled to Slovakia for Sunday night’s World Cup qualifier, sparking fears that the defender had suffered a set-back on his return from a double leg fracture suffered last September.

But Allardyce has moved to calm those concerns, insisting the move was just a precaution.

The England boss said: “It’s a slight problem with the leg. A little ache, muscular.

“With what he’s been through, we didn’t want to take a chance. It’s the calf where the break was.

“He’s done exceptionally well given the games he’s played, but he didn’t feel comfortable so the wise thing to do was send him back to United.

“He wasn’t starting (against Slovakia) anyway. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t okay for United’s next game.”