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David De Gea: Manchester United goalkeeper dislocates finger while training with Spain and could be out for up to four weeks

United goalkeeper will be assessed by the Spanish team doctor

Tom Sheen
Saturday 15 November 2014 13:42 GMT
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De Gea suffered a dislocated finger during Spain's win over Gibraltar
De Gea suffered a dislocated finger during Spain's win over Gibraltar (Getty Images)

Manchester United could be without No 1 goalkeeper David De Gea after he dislocated a finger during a training session with the Spanish national team.

De Gea, 24, will remain with the Spain team for the time being, with the team doctor set to assess the extent of his injury before deciding if he will stay with the squad or return to Old Trafford.

He injured himself while attempting to save a shot from Paco Alcacer on Friday night; Vicente Del Bosque's team face Belarus in a Euro 2016 qualifier today and play Germany in a friendly on Wednesday night.

"The keeper David de Gea was forced to stop training after suffering an injury to the fifth finger of his right hand," read a statement on the national team's official website.

"Having suffered a similar situation in the past, De Gea will remain with the squad and will wait to see how he improves."

Del Bosque has already seen Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas pull out of the squad with injury, while Diego Costa was left out to allow him to rest.

The news will come as a huge blow for Louis van Gaal, who has seen De Gea in stunning form behind an injury hit and shaky defence.

De Gea has started all 11 Premier League matches so far this season, keeping three clean sheets. But with numerous defenders missing - Van Gaal had to rely on Daley Blind and Paddy McNair as the centre-backs last week against Crystal Palace - the news comes at the worst time.

Anders Lindegaard is the likely replacement, should the injury keep De Gea out for any length of time. Van Gaal also has former England Under-21 goalkeeper Ben Amos in the squad, while Victor Valdes has been training with the club while he recovers from a knee injury.

Valdes a replacement for De Gea, no back-up
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The former Barcelona keeper has been linked with signing a deal with the club, but it is yet to materialise.

Danish keeper Lindegaard, 30, has been the club's No 2 since signing in 2010. He has played 29 matches for United but made just three appearances last season, though he did keep two clean sheets.

David De Gea joins a growing injury list that now contains 10 first-team players, including Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young and Falcao.

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