Michael Carrick reveals reason for prolonged absence

Manchester United captain Michael Carrick has revealed that treatment and recovery from “an irregular heart rhythm” is what has kept him out of action for the last two months. Carrick felt unwell after making his only start of the season so far in the League Cup in September, and paramedics were called to the dressing room to administer ECG tests as a precaution.

Although Carrick was named among the substitutes for the following match, further tests revealed an irregular heartbeat, and he had a procedure called a “Cardiac Ablation” to address the condition. Luckily for the skipper, he has since been cleared to return to full training and has been building up his fitness. Judging from his statement, it does not seem that his involvement for the rest of this season - likely his last as a player - is in any jeopardy.

I had to build up training steadily whilst being monitored closely but I feel fine now.

I would like to reassure everyone that I'm healthy and back training hard with the team.

I'm building up my fitness and aiming to be back in contention for selection soon.

With so many instances of athletes with undiagnosed heart conditions meeting tragic ends over the years, it’s a relief that Carrick was able to get the required treatment in time.