Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton is out for a few weeks with an ankle injury, in the latest setback for Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United travel to Newcastle for a classic six-pointer in the Premier League on Sunday, with the Magpies able to draw level with third-placed United if they can get the win.
Eddie Howe's men will be hoping for revenge after suffering a 2-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup final in February, which saw the Red Devils win their first piece of silverware in over five years.
But one player Ten Hag will be without for the trip is 36-year-old shot-stopper Heaton.
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The Englishman has been mainly used as back-up for United this season, but has stepped up to the plate when called upon.
He has kept clean sheets in both appearances he has made under Ten Hag, which came in the Carabao Cup against Charlton Athletic and Nottingham Forest.
Heaton discusses injury
Lifting the lid on his injury, Heaton informed club media that he had rolled his ankle in training, referring to it as a "bit of a random one".
“Yeah, unfortunately the day before the Fulham game, I rolled my ankle in training,” said Heaton.
“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.”
Jack Butland, who is on loan from Crystal Palace, will no doubt assume the position of back-up to first choice goalkeeper David De Gea.
Meanwhile, in a major boost for United supporters, Luke Shaw reportedly penned a fresh contract on Friday, keeping him at the club for a further four years.
The new deal means thee 27-year-old will spend over a decade at Old Trafford, having originally signed for United from Southampton in 2014.
Topics: Manchester United, Tom Heaton, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League
Joe Adams