Heaven could be back before end of season, says expert
UNITED could welcome Ayden Heaven back before the end of the season, an injury expert has revealed. The centre-back suffered a blow in Sunday’s win over Leicester City and was forced to be stretchered off.
The centre-back has played just four games for Ruben Amorim’s side since his January switch from Arsenal and has impressed in the back three. However, he picked up an ankle injury in the second half of the win at Leicester to spark concerns over his availability for the rest of the season.
Heaven landed awkwardly when he attempted to block Patson Daka’s attempt to get on the end of a cross. He instantly signalled to the United bench before coming off, joining Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw in the medical room.
United are now not in action until the start of April meaning there’s a lengthy break for Amorim to get certain players back fit for the final stretch of the season.
Heaven’s fitness will be a popular topic between now and the trip to Nottingham Forest. Here, The Manchester Evening News takes a look at the latest on the 18-year-old.
Timeframe revealedInjury expert Stephen Smith, founder and CEO of Kitman Labs, has revealed that Heaven could face three to six weeks out of action with the knee injury sustained again Leicester City.
It’s good news for United with Smith claiming he doesn’t expect the centre-back to be out long-term. “It looks like it could be an ankle ligament sprain as his lower leg looks like it wobbles underneath him. Equally, it could be a Peroneal Tendon Strain,” he told the Express.
“The peroneals protect the ankle from rolling, so he might have potentially strained one of them when he landed as the ankle started to wobble. He is holding his leg mid-shin, exactly where the muscle belly for the peroneal tendons is.
“Alternatively, it could be a minor leg fracture, hairline fracture, or a stress fracture. Again, given where he is holding his leg, this could indicate a fibular fracture.”
He added: “Typically, with these types of injuries, it can vary between three to six weeks depending on the specific issue.”
Heaven in good spiritsIn the days after the injury, Heaven has broken his silence on social media. Writing on Instagram, the defender thanked supporters for their well wishes.
“Thank you guys for all the support! I have read all your messages, and I’m doing really well and recovering fast,” he said on his Instagram stories alongside a red love heart emoji and a picture of him being stretched off against Leicester.