Solskjaer reveals De Gea injury ‘not as bad as feared’ with Man Utd keeper hopeful of being fit for Liverpool clash
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed David De Gea “wasn’t as bad as feared” as he hangs onto the hope the goalkeeper will be fit to face Liverpool.
Manchester United’s No.1 hobbled off during Spain’s draw in Sweden on Tuesday after suffering a groin problem.
The stopper, 28, was expected to be ruled out for this Sunday’s Premier League clash at Old Trafford against the leaders.
And Solskjaer even admitted he thought he could be without the goalkeeper until next month.
And even though he does not expect De Gea to play against the Reds, he does not appear to have given up all hope.
Solskjaer said: “I don’t expect [De Gea] to play but it wasn’t as bad as feared.
“When I saw the game I thought that’s him out until next international break because we’ve had some long-term muscle injuries but it’s not as bad as feared.”
Argentine international Sergio Romero is standing-by to replace De Gea if he fails to recover in time.
The goalie is not the only injury concern for Solskjaer going into the showdown.
Forward Anthony Martial has been sidelined for eight weeks with a thigh injury and midfielder Jesse Lingard and left-back Luke Shaw are doubts with hamstring problems while Paul Pogba faces a late fitness test for an ankle problem.
But right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka could return from illness.
Solskjaer said: “Of course I would like to tell you positive news.
“Hopefully we’ll see on Sunday who’s come through the last two sessions as well.
“Because there are players here that just started training, just on the verge of coming back or not, so I can’t really say.”
LATEST MAN UTD NEWS
Despite his injury woes and United‘s dreadful run of form, Liverpool head to the home of their bitter rivals as firm favourites.
But Solskjaer refused to accept that and insisted his men will be more than ready to match.
He added: “They’re doing well in the league, that’s for sure.
“But we’re looking forward to this game, it’s perfect game for our players and our fans, because we’ve had a tough time, a difficult time lately and I’m sure we’ll give them a good game.”