Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says left-back Luke Shaw is looking more positive after suffering a horrific injury against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night.
The Englishman is expected to stay on the sidelines for months after suffering a double fracture of his right leg.
The Dutchman also confirmed that striker Wayne Rooney is fit to face Southampton on Sunday afternoon.
"I have to admit he [Luke Shaw] was strong and firm," van Gaal told MUTV.
"It was different to the day before, so I was happy with that. But of course he knows that it is a long way to go for him. The operation was a good operation but nearly all the operations are always good. We have to wait and see how long it takes.
"My speaking about the subject gives him spirit.
"All the players, all of his colleagues, have called him and that's maybe not good [if he needs to rest]. I texted him to say I'd call him later because rest is also important for the recovery. Of course, we have a fantastic doctor and medical department.
"We sent people to the Netherlands to take care of the travelling when he's coming back. We have to take care of that and also of his family because his family is there. That is also great support for him. The main thing is how the development of the rehabilitation shall go.
"Wayne [Rooney] is fit to play, he's only had one week out. It was because we weren't taking any risks with him.
"Phil Jones has come back and trained with the group for the first time. He's not match fit but he's fit to train. Only Luke Shaw is injured."
