Michael Carrick Injury: Updates on Manchester United Star's Ankle and Return

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick  picked up an ankle problem while playing for England against Spain on Nov. 13. An official timeline for his recovery has yet to be established.

Continue for updates.

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Carrick Reportedly Avoided Lengthy Layoff

Monday, Nov. 16

Mark Ogden of the Telegraph reported Carrick could return in two weeks "should his recovery proceed smoothly."

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Carrick to Miss France Match

Sunday, Nov. 15

The FA confirmed Carrick will play no part at Wembley on Tuesday and has returned to his club for further treatment.

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Hodgson Feared Serious Injury 

Saturday, Nov. 14

"Michael has got a severely twisted ankle which normally means ligament damage," England boss Roy Hodgson said after the Spain loss, per BBC Sport.

Sky Sports reported the veteran left Alicante on crutches after being brought off.

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Schweinsteiger Key for United in Carrick's Absence

As one of the more seasoned veterans in a youthful squad, Carrick is regarded as a key component for the Red Devils, operating as a reliable metronome in the middle of the park.

However, manager Louis van Gaal will now be looking to the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger to offer relief in that deep-lying midfield role. Like Carrick, Schweinsteiger can dictate a game's tempo like few others.

Nevertheless, it's another disappointing blow for United fans, who know their team operates at its attacking best when Carrick is pulling strings from deep.

United have games against Watford, PSV Eindhoven and Leicester City on the horizon, fixtures they will expect to win to boost their domestic and European ambitions.