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United goalkeeper De Gea dislocates finger

David de Gea has dislocated his finger © Getty Images

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Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is to be assessed after the Spanish national team reported he had suffered a dislocated finger in training.

De Gea was unable to complete Friday's training session at the Nuevo Colombino stadium after sustaining the injury while trying to stop a shot from Spain team-mate Paco Alcacer.

Marca reports that he now has no chance of facing Belarus in the Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday. However, he will remain with the national squad for further assessment ahead of Tuesday's friendly with Germany, which he had been expected to take part in.

A statement on United's official website read: "David De Gea was forced out of Spain's final training session ahead of their Euro 2006 qualifier with Belarus but is remaining with Vicente Del Bosque's squad.

"The Manchester United No.1, voted Player of the Month by the club's fans for October, has sustained a dislocated finger on his right hand, according to an update from his national team.

"Spain's medical department will assess the extent of the injury ahead of the Group C encounter on Saturday and Tuesday's friendly against World Cup winners Germany."

It is the latest of a series of setbacks for United manager Louis van Gaal, who is already facing a defensive crisis ahead of the club's November 22 clash with Arsenal.

The Dutchman faces the prospect of losing his star goalkeeper and may have to rely on Anders Lindegaard, who was told he could leave Old Trafford last summer, or Ben Amos in the coming weeks.

United have around nine first-teamers on the sidelines with Arsenal in mind, although Van Gaal appears to have received a boost over the fitness of Radamel Falcao.

Colombia manager Jose Pekerman claimed Falcao, who sat out of his national side's 2-1 victory against the USA at Craven Cottage on Friday, has not shown his best in the Premier League and went on to say the striker should be fit to face Arsenal.

Pekerman told the Daily Mail: "There is no doubt he is in optimal condition. He's recovered very successfully. He has done everything perfectly. This is a small muscular injury, it is different to the knee injury before the World Cup.

"He's in a good condition and could be ready for Arsenal. He hasn't even started yet. He will be one of the best players Manchester United have had and will break a lot of records in England."

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