• Premier League

Valdes ruled out as United's goalkeeper solution

Victor Valdes had knee ligament surgery in March © Getty Images

Enlarge

Victor Valdes is unlikely to be fit in time to deputise for David de Gea when Manchester United visit Arsenal on Saturday.

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Valdes has been training with United as he continues his rehabilitation from the cruciate knee injury he suffered in March and manager Louis van Gaal could sign the 32-year-old if he proves his fitness after eight months on the sidelines.

United's regular goalkeeper De Gea, who is their only ever-present this season, suffered a dislocated finger when training with Spain and is a doubt for the weekend clash at the Emirates Stadium.

But sources told ESPN that while Valdes tweeted last week that he is "almost ready" to return, he is currently injured, meaning United are unlikely to rush to sign him in time for him to debut against Arsene Wenger's team.

It means Anders Lindegaard is line to make his first appearance under Van Gaal unless De Gea is deemed fit enough to start.

De Gea missed Spain's victory over Belarus on Saturday and is expected to sit out Tuesday's friendly against Germany as well.

United would be allowed to sign Valdes outside the transfer window because he has not been on the books of any other club in the last two-and-a-half months.

They only named 24 senior players when their squad list was submitted to the Premier League in September, meaning there is one vacant spot which Valdes could occupy.

Valdes, who won six league titles and three Champions League titles during his 12 years in the Barcelona team, left the Nou Camp on a free transfer in the summer.

He interested Liverpool before Van Gaal, who gave him his Barcelona debut, invited him to train with United.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd