Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has conceded that "it will be difficult" for Luke Shaw to play before the end of the campaign.
The 26-year-old had to be substituted during his team's 1-1 draw with Leicester City earlier this month due to an issue relating to his previously-broken leg, which had allegedly been causing him pain for some time.
Shaw suffered a double leg fracture during a Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven in 2015, and he underwent a minor operation last weekend to remove two metal bolts that were inserted during the surgery.
Rangnick initially said that the defender would be back in "two or three weeks", but the German has now admitted that the left-back is unlikely to play again until next season.
"As it seems, he will be out for another at least four weeks, if not five weeks, so I think for him it will be difficult to be available for one of the remaining seven games," Rangnick told reporters.
Shaw has again been a regular for the 20-time English champions during the 2021-22 campaign, featuring on 27 occasions in all competitions, contributing five assists.
Man United will take on Norwich City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea and Crystal Palace in their final seven league games of the Premier League season.