The young defender suffered an issue in the first minute of England Under 20s’ clash with SwitzerlandAyden Heaven in action for England Under-20s (Photo by Nathan Stirk – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Injury fears for Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven have been played down ahead of the upcoming clash with Liverpool.

The 19-year-old suffered a knock in the opening minute of England’s Under-20s match against Switzerland on Friday. Heaven went down and required lengthy treatment before returning to action, but he was substituted at half-time, prompting concerns that he could face another spell on the sidelines.

Speaking after the game, England youth coach Ben Futcher said (h/t BBC Sport) the issue did not appear to be serious.

“He picked something up. I don’t think it is too serious, but we will have to see how it settles down,” he said.

Heaven joined United from Arsenal earlier this year and impressed when called upon during the club’s injury crisis late last season.

However, injury cut short his run in the side, and this season he has struggled for minutes. Heaven started in the shock League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town but has managed just three minutes of Premier League action so far.

Given Ruben Amorim’s preference for a three-man defence, opportunities could arise for the youngster as the campaign progresses. He faces stiff competition, though, with Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw also in contention for places.

United return to action at Anfield after the international break, with Amorim aiming to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since taking charge.

Liverpool, the defending champions, spent £450 million to strengthen their squad in the summer but head into the match on the back of three consecutive defeats — including late losses to Crystal Palace and Chelsea in the Premier League.

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