Ayden Heaven’s injury against Leicester City sparked fears of a long layoff, but new assessments suggest the former Arsenal prospect could return before the season ends.
Ayden Heaven’s injury scare in Manchester United’s win over Leicester City appears less severe than initially feared, with the former Arsenal prospect expected to return before the end of the season.
The 18-year-old defender, who left Arsenal for Manchester United in January despite being offered a new contract, was stretchered off after an awkward landing while trying to block a shot from Patson Daka.
United boss Rúben Amorim revealed after the match that Heaven was unable to speak as he received treatment, a concerning sign that raised immediate fears of a serious injury. “It’s hard to understand because even when he’s on the ground, he can’t speak, he doesn’t know how to explain what he’s feeling because he’s so young,” Amorim said.
However, a more recent update from the United manager suggested some improvement. “He’s a little bit more calm now, but we have to assess during the week,” he said.
Now, injury expert Stephen Smith, founder and CEO of Kitman Labs, has estimated a three-to-six-week recovery period, depending on the specific nature of the injury. “It looks like it could be an ankle ligament sprain, or possibly a peroneal tendon strain,” Smith told the Express. “Alternatively, it could be a minor leg fracture, hairline fracture, or a stress fracture. Typically, with these types of injuries, it can vary between three to six weeks depending on the specific issue.”
Heaven has since reassured fans via Instagram, posting, “Thank you guys for all the support! I have read all your messages, and I’m doing really well and recovering fast,” alongside a picture of himself being stretchered off at King Power Stadium.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for United, with Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro, and Luke Shaw all sidelined. With United not playing until April, however, Heaven has time to recover before the final stretch of the season.
For Arsenal fans, Heaven’s rapid rise has been bittersweet.
The Gunners had offered him a new contract, but the teenager chose to leave for Old Trafford, where he has already made multiple Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League appearances. Had he stayed with Arsenal, that would not be the case.