Despite being stretchered off against Leicester City in the second half on Sunday, Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven could be back soon after the international break.
This update comes from the reliable Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic who claimed that the 18-year-old was at Carrington and was spotted without a protective boot.
“Ayden Heaven has been at Carrington without a protective boot. You just surmise from that, it’s not going to be too long after the international break that he returns hopefully,” he told Talk of the Devil podcast.
It initially looked like a bad ankle injury with the young centre-back calling for medical aid as soon as he dropped to the ground after an innocuous challenge involving Patson Daka.
Rolls Royce display vs Foxes
It was a huge blow for Ruben Amorim given the former Arsenal starlet was occupying the left-sided centre-back role, a position in which the club is severely understaffed.
Already both Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro are sidelined and the January signing seemed to have been added to the list.
Against the Foxes, the head coach was forced to bring on Toby Collyer and young Harry Amass for his debut after the injury as he opted to shuffle his pack.
During his 51-minute stay out on the pitch, in what was his first Premier League start for the Red Devils, Heaven looked a class apart and was easily the best defender on the pitch.
Despite being the youngest member of the backline, it was the £1 million signing who was putting out the fires started by his senior teammates.
Heaven to return after the international break
The player himself broke his silence on social media yesterday and offered an encouraging update on his return to first-team action.
“Thank you guys for all your support! I have read all your messages, and I’m doing really well and recovering fast,” he had written.
Amorim needs all hands on deck in April as the 20-time English league champions gear up to face huge challenges both in the league and Europa League.
Heaven’s impending return will come as great news and hopefully, more players can make their return to action following the international break.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
