Manchester United shot-stopper Tom Heaton out for a few weeks with ankle injury
Manchester United shot-stopper Tom Heaton picked up an ankle injury in training and will be unavailable and on the sidelines for the next few weeks.
The English national has been the regular backup option for Erik ten Hag after Martin Dubravka’s loan spell was cut short. With the 36-year-old out of action for some time, Jack Butland will have to deputise in his stead.
Speaking to club media (h/t Manchester Evening News), Heaton revealed that he had a slight fitness issue. However, the injury is not too severe and the goalkeeper expects to be back soon.
“Yeah, unfortunately the day before the Fulham game I rolled my ankle in training. Thankfully, it’s not too bad but it’ll mean a couple of weeks out, I think. I should be back some point in April somewhere, hopefully halfway through.”
Heaton made his way through the youth ranks at Man United. However, After several loan spells, the English international left the Red Devils for Cardiff City on a permanent transfer without making a first-team appearance.
Over the years, the 36-year-old has played for the likes of Burnley and Aston Villa in the Premier League. However, in the summer of 2021, the shot-stopper made his return to the Old Trafford side.
In the previous campaign, Heaton was behind David de Gea and Dean Henderson in the pecking order. As a result, the veteran goalkeeper only made one appearance for
Man United, coming on as a substitute in the Champions League group stage against BSC Young Boys ina 1-1 draw.
With Dubravka in the ranks for the first half of the season, the 36-year-old once again found himself surplus to requirements. However, with the Slovakia international returning to Newcastle United in January, the English national got the opportunity to start in two Carabao Cup games.
De Gea has once again been the number one for the Red Devils this season. The Spaniard has put in some clutch performances under the Ten Hag.
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While Heaton’s loss will not affect the team too much, it will be concerning if the former Atletico Madrid star suffers a setback as well. Hopefully, the 36-year-old will make a swift return in the next few days.
