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Lindegaard, De Gea face fitness struggle

Man Utd face goalkeeper crisis
© PA Photos
Manchester United are facing a goalkeeping crisis, with both David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard struggling for fitness ahead of the Stoke City match.

Manchester United are reportedly facing a goalkeeper crisis, with both David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard out with illness and injury.

Lindegaard was seen leaving training on crutches, while the young Spaniard phoned in sick on Monday saying he was unable to train, according to the Daily Mail.

There is now a doubt over who will play in goal for the Stoke City game tonight. If both first-choice goalkeepers are injured, that leaves only third-choice Ben Amos or Tomasz Kuszczak – who last played in May – available for selection to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The situation presents another twist in the Old Trafford goalkeeping situation that has threatened to damage the Red Devils' title bid. Ferguson dropped De Gea after the defeat to Blackburn over Christmas, preferring the 27-year-old Lindegaard. However, the 21-year-old was reinstated for Saturday's match against Liverpool, in which he produced another nervy display.

Ferguson has defended his £18m man, describing him as a "long-term project" as he adapts to the English game.

If fit, de Gea is likely to start against Stoke City tonight.

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Sam Hughes
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