When Luke Shaw misses Manchester United's trip to Norwich this weekend it will mark the 105th fixture he has missed for the club through injury.
In Shaw's absence Ashley Young, Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams have all started games at left-back for United. Young, at 34, is clearly not the long-term answer yet only 16 months ago he was starting in a World Cup semi-final at left-back. The wing-back role he performed in against Liverpool at the weekend looked to suit him.
Tuanzebe was evidently a stop-gap when he started in that position against Arsenal, but Williams may be the most interesting case. He only turned 19 last month but recently signed a new contract and made his first start for the club at AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, followed by a man of the match showing in Belgrade.
Solskjaer was full of praise after his performance in Holland, saying: "You won't see a better full debut from a full back anywhere. The boy is just going to improve and improve.
"He's got the right mentality. I'm very pleased for him."
Williams may be the most likely long-term competitor for Shaw. The England international made 29 Premier League starts last season, easily the most so far in his United career, and he was revitalised under Solskjaer, yet he has lost momentum through his latest injury.
At 24 he should be part a long-term back four for United, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Tuanzebe all aged between 21 and 26.
But to achieve that he needs to be playing regularly. Shaw is fortunate that Solskjaer has many other errors of his squad that require attention in the transfer market, specifically the midfield and attack, but if he continues to struggle with fitness then at some point United might have to consider an alternative solution at left-back.
If Shaw can rediscover the form and fitness that he initially showed under Solskjaer then there is no doubt he can enhance this United side, but he needs a consistent run of being available to dispel the lingering doubts over his suitability for United, especially when Solskjaer is demanding such a high-intensity style from his side.