Manchester United rising star Ayden Heaven has received a significant injury boost, with his recent knock deemed not to be as serious as first feared, according to reports. The promising youngster was stretchered off the pitch in the Red Devils' clash against Leicester City last Sunday, initially sparking concerns of a serious setback.
However, the Manchester Evening News report that, despite departing the King Power Stadium with a protective boot, Heaven has been spotted getting around without assistance.
On Instagram, the 18-year-old expressed his gratitude towards his well-wishers earlier in the week, writing on Instagram: "Thank you guys for all the support! I have read all your messages, and I'm doing really well and recovering fast."
The report claims that Heaven has now shed his protective boot and may even return to training post-international break.
With the next match scheduled against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday April 1, the former Gunners prospect could potentially be fit in time to participate.
The centre-back's season has so far included four notable shows for the senior side, with his recent, laudable performances against Real Sociedad and Leicester being particularly standout moments.
His rise to the first team has come amid an injury crisis among United's defenders, such as Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans, all occupying the treatment room.
Heaven seized his opportunity brilliantly, delivering two steady, confident displays before succumbing to injury in the fixture against Leicester.
Heaven's switch from Arsenal to United in the January transfer window has been nothing short of a revelation. Despite being just 18 and having only one senior appearance for the Gunners under his belt, he was brought in as a first-team player.
Since joining the ranks at Old Trafford, Heaven has caught the eye of United head coach Ruben Amorim and has been swiftly integrated into the first-team squad.
Amorim couldn't hide his satisfaction with Heaven's development when discussing his performance post-Leicester match, stating: "Yeah, he already did that [showed promise] against Arsenal and today, and against Real Sociedad."
He added: "Today was for me the most difficult game for him, because he plays so well against Real Sociedad, and we expect always for these young kids to relax a little bit.
"But he was so focused and he played quite well, so let's hope for the best."
The starlet made the move to United for an undisclosed compensation fee, believed to be in excess of £1million, and penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with the club.
United are currently sitting 13th in the Premier League standings and only nine games left.
They are also gearing up for a Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon next month, aiming to clinch silverware and secure their place in the Champions League next season.
This article was first published on the Manchester Evening News