Prior to the international break, Tom Heaton sustained an ankle injury, which will keep the Manchester United goalkeeper out of action for “a couple of weeks.”

Despite Jack Butland’s arrival on loan from Crystal Palace in 2023, the 36-year-old has served as David de Gea’s main backup. The former has yet to feature for the Red Devils, whereas Heaton has appeared twice in cup games since the beginning of the year.

For United’s final game before the March international break, a 3-1 FA Cup victory over Fulham earlier this month, he was not included in the matchday roster, and Butland filled his spot. Heaton revealed to United’s club media that he has been using a protective footwear recently due to an injury sustained on the practice field.

Unfortunately, I rolled my ankle in training the day before the Fulham encounter, he admitted. “Thankfully, it’s not too bad, but I expect I’ll be out for a few weeks. I should return in April at some time, ideally in the middle.

“Unfortunately, it’s a random occupational hazard, but, yes, I just went over on the ankle and nicked the ligament. I’ll be in this brace for a few more days before I try to get it moving once more.

Heaton advanced through the club’s youth system but did not make a professional appearance before leaving the club permanently in 2010. Since returning to United last summer, he has made three senior appearances. The goalkeeper’s contract with the former Burnley and Aston Villa team expires at the conclusion of the current campaign, though United has the option to extend it by an additional year.

Because of Heaton’s injury, Butland is anticipated to sit out Sunday’s game against Newcastle United as well as the forthcoming matches at Old Trafford against Brentford, Everton, and Sevilla.