Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw has reportedly suffered a groin injury that could sideline him for up to three weeks.

According to BBC Sport's Simon Stone, the groin issue is a longstanding one for the England international and not something he suffered in the shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Watford on Sunday. The Telegraph's John Percy noted Shaw could be out of action for the "remainder of the month."

Shaw is no stranger to injury layoffs, having suffered a horrific leg fracture early in the 2015-16 season against PSV Eindhoven. Nevertheless, after working his way back to fitness, the left-back will be disappointed to have further worries.

A fit Shaw would make the Red Devils a more formidable prospect. The 21-year-old brings energy and incision in the final third at his best, allowing United to offer a balanced attacking threat. Without him in the side, the Red Devils lack penetration from the full-back positions.

VI-Images/Getty Images

Although players such as Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo can do a job in this role, they don't offer the dynamism that Shaw does. However, the squad is accustomed to dealing with the former Southampton man being sidelined following his previous time on the treatment table.

Video Play Button Videos you might like

There’s no denying Shaw has all the attributes to become one of the best left-backs in world football, and there is still plenty of time for him to scale such heights.

The injuries represent a concern, however, especially given the traumatic nature of his previous problem. Some players never recover from such blows, and while Shaw will likely go on to achieve great things with the Red Devils, any more injuries in the weeks to come would make those worries more pertinent.