Manchester United’s David de Gea injured in Spain’s European Qualifier with Sweden
Written by News on 16/10/2019
Manchester United have been dealt an injury blow as goalkeeper David de Gea was forced off the field during Spain’s European Qualifier with Sweden.
De Gea was clearing the ball upfield just before the hour mark when he appeared to pull his groin, immediately dropping to the ground in pain.
With Spain trailing Sweden 1-0 in the Group F encounter courtesy of Marcus Berg’s 50th minute strike, De Gea was able to walk off the pitch accompanied by the Spanish medical team to be replaced by Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arrizabalaga had been Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent months but was dropped in Stockholm after making a late error against Norway on Saturday night, giving away a late penalty in the 1-1 draw.
It meant De Gea returned for a 41st cap for his country and a first start under new Spanish boss Robert Moreno.
Substitute Rodrigo’s stoppage-time strike earned Spain the draw they needed to qualify for Euro 2020 with a 1-1 draw.
The news is likely to cause concern ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League clash with Liverpool this Sunday at 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side host the leaders looking for a win to kick-start their season, having won just two of their opening eight league games and sit just two points above the drop zone in 12th place.
United face a Liverpool side unbeaten so far in the league this season and aiming for an 18th consecutive Premier League win – a total that would equal the record held by Manchester City.
Although the extent of the injury is unknown, should De Gea be ruled out of Sunday’s encounter it will likely see a first league start of the season for Sergio Romero with the Argentinean only featuring in the Europa League and Carabao Cup so far this campaign.
However, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are expected to push for returns after injury, although Paul Pogba remains a doubt.
(c) Sky Sports 2019: Manchester United’s David de Gea injured in Spain’s European Qualifier with Sweden
