Manchester United have revealed that Tyrell Malacia has undergone two operations on a knee injury, with the left-back now working to be fit in the early stages of 2024.

There had been confusion surrounding the defender's absence, with the Red Devils not providing an official update on the Netherlands international despite the fact that he missed their entire pre-season.

In October, it was claimed that Malacia had been forced to undergo a knee operation on an injury that he suffered towards the end of last season.

The 24-year-old was involved for his country in the UEFA Nations League in the middle of June, but he did not report for the start of pre-season training with Man United and has not been in a matchday squad this term.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the club were hopeful that pain injections would manage the problem, but it was later decided that Malacia would need surgery, with the defender spending time in the Netherlands while he recovered.

Man United have now provided an official update, revealing that the Dutchman is on course to return to action in the early stages of 2024 after undergoing a second operation after suffering a setback in his recovery.

"Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia is on course to return to action early next year, as he recovers from a knee injury," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The Dutch left-back has not played so far this season, following an operation over the summer. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback during his rehabilitation, which required further surgery.

"This has been successfully completed and Malacia is now back at Carrington and working hard to be fit early in the new year."

Malacia was signed by Man United in Erik ten Hag's first transfer window at the club, with the left-back arriving on an initial four-year contract from Feyenoord.

The defender was a regular during the 2022-23 campaign, making 39 appearances in all competitions, with 22 of those outings coming in England's top flight during a successful first season.

Man United's injury problems at left-back led to Sergio Reguilon arriving on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

However, Luke Shaw is now back from a muscular issue, with the England international playing the last two games against Everton and Galatasaray after more than three months out.

There is believed to be a break clause in Reguilon's loan deal, and a return to fitness for Malacia could potentially lead to the Spaniard heading back to Tottenham at the start of 2024.