Saturday 25 November 2017 07:53, UK
Manchester United's Michael Carrick has revealed that he has been suffering with an "irregular heart rhythm".
The experienced midfielder, 36, has undergone a procedure to resolve the issue and hopes to return to action soon.
Carrick felt something was wrong during his only outing of the season - a 4-1 EFL Cup victory over Burton in September - and underwent tests to determine the problem.
Having had a cardiac ablation to correct the issue, the former England man says he is now healthy, back in training, and focused on making his comeback for United.
In a statement posted on Twitter, he wrote: "I just want to clear up my situation, as I've had quite a few people asking if I'm OK and why I haven't been fit over the last couple of months.
"After feeling strange during the second half of the Burton game in September, I underwent a series of tests.
"It turned out to be an irregular heart rhythm which has been fully investigated and I had a procedure called a Cardiac Ablation.
"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."
Capped 34 times by his country, Carrick arrived at United in 2006 and has won has five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and a Champions League in his time at Old Trafford.
He has made more than 400 appearances for the club in total and, after he signed a one-year deal in May to extend his stay until the end of this campaign, United manager Jose Mourinho described him as "one of the true professionals of the game".
Carrick made 38 appearances, including 18 Premier League starts, last season and was named club captain following the departure of Wayne Rooney to Everton in the summer.
United said: "We wish Michael well and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon."
