Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek has suffered an injury that will keep him out of action.
Arguably the best performing Manchester United loanee this season has not been Marcus Rashford or Rasmus Hojlund.
Instead it has been young goalkeeper Radek Vitek, who has been turning in man of the match performances for Bristol City in the Championship.
Vitek’s impressive progress has hit a little hitch, with the goalkeeper picking up an injury that kept him out of the Robins’ weekend win over Middlesbrough.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper will face a spell on the sidelines. He is now expected to be out of action until February.
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Radek Vitek surgery
Radek Vitek has undergone surgery on a knee injury, although the problem is described as a minor one.
Bristol City released a statement updating the status of Vitek, and his rehab plans.
Interestingly, the decision has been made between clubs that Vitek will be doing his recovery with Bristol City, instead of returning to Manchester United.
The statement read: “Bristol City can confirm Radek Vítek has had a small procedure on his knee.
“We expect the Manchester United loanee to be available in February. He will complete his rehabilitation at Bristol City.”
The decision shows Manchester United’s trust in the partnership with Bristol City, for the goalkeeper to continue his rehab with them, instead of returning to the new facilities at Carrington.
It also demonstrates the optimism both clubs have that this is just a minor problem, and Vitek will be able to make a relatively swift return to first team action.
Bristol City are ninth in the Championship, just two points back from the playoffs. Vitek has kept seven clean sheets in 21 games, conceding 24 goals.
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Vitek’s second knee injury
FA Youth Cup winner Radek Vitek is highly regarded, and it is pleasing that this injury is just a minor one. He still has plenty more to offer this season, and could play a key role in Bristol City’s promotion race.
It is worth noting that this is the second knee problem Vitek has sustained in successive seasons.
Vitek spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Austrian top flight club Blau-Weiss Linz.
He suffered a partially torn knee ligament in a warm-up in September 2024, that led to him missing one month of action.
It is unclear if this latest injury is to the same knee or if it is connected in any way to the previous problem.
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