Manchester United Player Sidelined for ‘Couple of Weeks’ with Ankle Injury
Tom Heaton has revealed that he suffered an ankle injury prior to the international break, which will keep the Manchester United goalkeeper out for a “couple of weeks.”
Despite the arrival of Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace, the 36-year-old has served as David de Gea’s primary backup in 2023. Heaton has played twice in cup competitions since the turn of the year, while the latter has yet to make an appearance for the Red Devils.
However, he was not named to the matchday squad for United’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Fulham earlier this month, the club’s final game before the March international break, with Butland filling in on the bench. Heaton explained to United’s club media that he has been wearing a protective boot in recent weeks due to a training ground injury.
“Yeah, unfortunately the day before the Fulham game, I rolled my ankle in training,” he revealed. “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.
“It’s an occupational hazard unfortunately, a bit of a random one but, yeah, I just went over on the ankle and nicked the ligament. I’m in this [protective boot] for another few days then hope to get it back moving again.”
Heaton has made three senior appearances since rejoining United last summer after progressing through the club’s youth system but never making a senior appearance before leaving for good in 2010. The contract of the former Burnley and Aston Villa goalkeeper expires at the end of the season, but United have the option to extend it for another year.
Because of Heaton’s injury, Butland is expected to start against Newcastle United on Sunday, as well as the upcoming games against Brentford, Everton, and Sevilla at Old Trafford in the next two weeks.
Heaton has made three senior appearances since rejoining United last summer after progressing through the club’s youth system but never making a senior appearance before leaving permanently in 2010. The contract of the former Burnley and Aston Villa stopper expires at the end of the season, but United have the option to extend it for another year.
Butland is expected to be on the bench for Sunday’s game against Newcastle United, as well as the upcoming games at Old Trafford against Brentford, Everton, and Sevilla.
