Soccer:Manchester United keeper Anders Lindegaard has been sent on a week's holiday after suffering a small setback in his recovery from an ankle injury.
Lindegaard suffered the injury in training prior to the Premier League encounter with Stoke at the end of January. It came at the worst possible time for the Denmark international, who had just ousted David de Gea as United’s number one keeper and appeared in six games out of seven as the Red Devils tried to stabilise their season.
Sir Alex Ferguson initially claimed Lindegaard would only be missing for a matter of weeks, however, on Friday, the 27-year-old admitted he did not know when he would be fit enough to play again.
Now Ferguson has confirmed Lindegaard has been given a break after pushing himself slightly too hard. “He was training very well and maybe overdid it,” said the United boss. “We have given him a week off to give him a rest but he should be back before the end of the season.”
In theory, Lindegaard still needs to make two more appearances to qualify for a title medal should United retain their status as Premier League leaders. However, in recent years special dispensation has been agreed with the league for additional medals and under the circumstances, Lindegaard is unlikely to be denied.
Meanwhile, Ferguson confirmed winger Nani would again be missing when United head to Blackburn on Monday. The Portugal international has missed four games with an ankle injury and was expected to return to training early this week. “He won’t be back until tomorrow and Monday will come too soon,” said the United boss.
