Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has said that he is “recovering fast” from the injury that he sustained during Sunday’s Premier League contest with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
The 18-year-old was stretchered off the field in the early stages of the second period against Leicester following a collision with Patson Daka, and there was immediate concern surrounding the centre-back.
After the match, Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim told Sky Sports News: “It’s hard to know because we have to evaluate during the week. He already played well against Arsenal and Real Sociedad. Today for me was the most difficult game for him because we expect him to relax a bit, but he was so focused.”
Man United are yet to issue an update, but the ex-Arsenal youngster took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal that he is “doing really well and recovering fast” in a hugely positive social media post.
Heaven left the King Power Stadium on Sunday in a protective boot, but he did not need crutches, indicating that the issue is not as severe as first suspected.
Heaven issues update on injury he sustained against Leicester
According to CEO of Kitman Labs Stephen Smith, Heaven could be back on the field in the next three to six weeks.
“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,” Smith told Express Sport.
“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.
“Typically, with these types of injuries, it can vary between three to six weeks depending on the specific issue.
“Issues of this nature should not be a concern for his long-term prospects, but it does highlight how difficult it is to step up to regular first-team football at a young age. Data and insights will play a vital role in his rehab and return to play.”
Heaven could make Man United return at end of April
Six weeks from the date of the injury would take Heaven to the end of next month, with his return therefore potentially coming against Bournemouth in the Premier League on April 27.
The defender could therefore miss Premier League games against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, in addition to both legs of the Europa League quarter-final with Lyon.
The semi-finals will take place at the start of May, so there is a strong chance that Heaven will be back for those two fixtures, should Ruben Amorim’s side manage to beat Lyon in the last eight of the European tournament.
Six weeks out of action would be a positive for Man United considering the initial fears surrounding Heaven, but an official update from the 20-time English champions is yet to arrive.
Heaven only arrived at Old Trafford from Arsenal in January, but he has made a huge impression in the early stages of his Red Devils career, having benefitted from the injuries suffered by Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro and Jonny Evans.
