BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER is unlikely to play for Manchester United again this season, but manager Louis van Gaal believes the Germany captain could yet make Euro 2016.
Life since swapping Bayern Munich for Old Trafford has been topsy-turvy for the World Cup winner, with injury restricting him to just 31 appearances for the Red Devils.
The last of those came in the derby win at Manchester City before the recent international break when the midfielder suffered a partial medial collateral ligament tear during training with Germany ahead of the friendly with England.
That setback came after Schweinsteiger, 31, had only just returned from a two-month knee injury.
Van Gaal told MUTV: “I don’t think Schweinsteiger shall play this season – I think, next season, he is prepared.
“Maybe he is prepared for the European Championship, I cannot predict.
‘‘It is possible, but then that is also in our favour because then he is fit for the new competition.’’
While Schweinsteiger’s season appears over, there was more positive news regarding another of United’s long-term injury victims.
Luke Shaw, who has been sidelined since suffering a double fracture of his right leg in a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in September, is edging closer to a playing return, having recently resumed training with the United first team.
‘‘Shaw is now training on the pitch with the physiotherapist, it’s not with a trainer-coach, so that’s the difference,’’ Van Gaal said. ‘‘But he’s going great, it’s unbelievable.’’
Has Schweinsteiger been a success at United?
—–
Click here to check out Football Advisor
