Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton has revealed he will miss Sunday afternoon’s Premier League visit to Newcastle United due to an ankle injury (kick-off 4:30pm).
The 36-year-old has acted as the primary back-up to David de Gea throughout the 2022-23 season, but his absence is set to see Jack Butland promoted to the bench at St James’ Park. Butland hasn’t been named in a Premier League matchday squad since joining on loan from Crystal Palace in January.
“Yeah, unfortunately the day before the Fulham game, I rolled my ankle in training,” Heaton told MUFCTV. “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.”
Frustratingly for Erik ten Hag, it’s another name to add to the Red Devils’ injury list - with seven players in total ruled out of the visit to Tyneside, and another four players rated as doubtful. Here’s a look at Man United’s injury list and suspension list in full:
1. SEVILLE, SPAIN - MARCH 16: Manager Erik ten Hag of Manchester United speaks to Marcus Rashford during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg two match between Real Betis and Manchester United at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 16, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - MARCH 16: Manager Erik ten Hag of Manchester United speaks to Marcus Rashford during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg two match between Real Betis and Manchester United at Estadio Benito Villamarin on March 16, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
2. Tom Heaton - out
Man United’s No.2 has suffered from an ankle injury and will be out for a few weeks.
3. Donny van de Beek - out
Van de Beek will miss the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign because of a knee injury sustained during a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth in January.
4. Christian Eriksen - out
Eriksen isn’t expected to return to action until mid-April after a crunching tackle by former Magpies striker Andy Carroll caused an ankle injury.