Manchester United have confirmed goalkeeper Tom Heaton has sustained an injury, leaving Erik ten Hag short of options between the sticks.
Man United revealed on their official website: “Tom Heaton is out of Manchester United’s Premier League season opener against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Monday.
“The experienced goalkeeper sustained an injury in training that is still being assessed, but he is expected to be unavailable for the first few weeks of the season.”
Heaton is the second-choice shot-stopper at Old Trafford, behind new summer signing Andre Onana.
Goalkeeper Matej Kovar is on the verge of joining Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent deal.
Dean Henderson is heavily touted with a summer move to Nottingham Forest, with United open to a loan with an obligation to buy.
Man Utd face a massive goalkeeping dilemma
Injury concerns are mounting for United as Heaton joins Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo on the sidelines.
Heaton played an important role in the pre-season for the Red Devils. He was an able deputy to new first-choice shot-stopper Andre Onana.
His injury is a massive setback for United and Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman is now left with only one senior keeper at the club, with the new Premier League season scheduled to kick off over the weekend.
Injury to Heaton may force Ten Hag to keep Henderson at Old Trafford.
He made 20 appearances for Forest in all competitions last campaign before sustaining a season-ending injury.
The 26-year-old did not feature in the pre-season as he is still recovering from a thigh problem.
The Red Devils were keen to sign young goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Urawa Red Diamonds. However, the 20-year-old favoured a move to the Belgian Pro League club STVV.
Ten Hag will hope that Onana remains fit as he has no adequate back-up for the Cameroonian.
