Louis van Gaal will not be able to call on Víctor Valdés to replace his injured goalkeeper David de Gea at Arsenal on Saturday, with the Spanish free agent still recovering from a knee injury.
Valdés has been training at the club as he continues his rehabilitation from the anterior cruciate ligament he ruptured when playing for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in March.
De Gea dislocated a finger on international duty with Spain and could face an extended period out of action. Valdés is admired by Louis van Gaal after United’s manager gave him the opportunity to establish himself at Barça.
Valdés personally thanked Van Gaal for “showing the courage necessary to gamble on a talent that only he could see” in an open letter to fans when leaving Barça, and is now a free agent.
United have registered 24 players in their Premier League squad, meaning they have space for one more player over the age of 21 and could call on Valdés when he is fit.
Anders Lindegaard will take over in goal for only a second Premier League start in two seasons at the Emirates, with Ben Amos providing backup on the bench. Lindegaard played in the 4-0 win at Newcastle United on 5 April, his sole league appearance of last season.
