Ruben Amorim's defensive options are limited. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United supporters' hope over Ayden Heaven's reportedly imminent return to training has been burst by new images of the injured defender. Reports had claimed that the 18-year-old's problem that forced him off on a stretcher during the 3-0 win at Leicester City on March 16 wasn't as serious as initially feared.
He was spotted leaving the King Power Stadium in a protective boot but walking unaided, which immediately suggested his absence wasn't likely to be long-term. The Manchester Evening News later shared that Heaven was out of his protective boot and had a chance of resuming first-team training after the international break. That update sparked excitement about the prospect of Heaven's availability for the Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest on April 1.
However, fresh images surfaced on social media on Thursday, which suggest that the teenage talent has a little longer to go in his recovery.
X account @utdreport has shared three photos of Heaven leaving his car wearing a protective boot on his left foot.
Fans unsurprisingly aired their disappointment at the thought of the £1million January signing from Arsenal enduring a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
@JordyHensh07 wrote: "Oh, so he's not that close to returning like it was reported then."
@RuckleyRuck vented: "Wish the club would just tell us what the injury is so we don't have to constantly second guess ffs."
EXCLUSIVE: Ayden Heaven pictured at Carrington wearing a protective boot on his left foot pic.twitter.com/7IMbeUSOR9
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@UtdEra_ added: "I thought it was off ffs."
Others were more hopeful, issuing reminders that it's called a protective boot for a reason and pointing out that Heaven wouldn't be able to drive himself if the problem was severe.
However, if Heaven's return to the pitch isn't scheduled for the near future, Ruben Amorim faces a defensive nightmare.
Jonny Evans is a long-term absentee with a back issue, while Lisandro Martinez will potentially miss the rest of the year as he recovers from an ACL injury.
Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire have missed the last few matches, and it isn't yet clear whether either will be travelling to the City Ground.
Amorim could be left with Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelof - almost certain to be released on July 1 - as the only fit centre-backs for his back three.
Noussair Mazraoui can cover, and Patrick Dorgu is available again after serving his three-match domestic suspension, but it's a far-from-ideal situation against Nuno Espirito Santo's Champions League chasers.
Amorim will provide a highly-anticipated update on potential returns and the status of other injured stars in his pre-match press conference.
