Former Huddersfield Town full-back Jack Hunt has broken his right ankle – before kicking a ball in earnest for new club Crystal Palace.

The right-back, who left the John Smith’s Stadium for South London in a £2m deal during the closing days of the August transfer window, suffered the injury during a training session.

He had been hoping to stake a stake a claim for a high-profile Premier League debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Picture posted online of Jack Hunt's broken ankle
Picture posted online of Jack Hunt's broken ankle

Now he faces a recovery and rehabilitation programme and said: “I’m absolutely devastated, but I have to take the positives.

“It’s a clean break, so no operation is needed. I’ll do everything I can to be back playing as soon as possible.

“Setbacks like this happen but with the great people surrounding me I’ll be fine, and everyone at Crystal Palace has been unreal about this.”

Palace also have midfielder Jonny Williams sidelined after he damaged ankle ligaments while playing for Wales in Macedonia.