Manchester United have been hit by a goalkeeper crisis.

The Daily Mail says yesterday David De Gea called in sick and Anders Lindegaard left the training ground on crutches.

De Gea was surprisingly recalled to the United line-up in place of Lindegaard for Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Liverpool following a four-match absence, but the young Spaniard was widely criticised for another uncertain performance.

It presented manager Sir Alex Ferguson with a difficult choice ahead of tonight's Premier League clash with Stoke at Old Trafford, but the United manager's options narrowed dramatically yesterday morning.

First, De Gea phoned to say that he was unwell and would not be coming in to train, then Lindegaard was injured during the session at Carrington and went home on crutches with his right foot in a protective boot.

Provided he has recovered, De Gea is expected to keep his place tonight, but third-choice Ben Amos and Tomasz Kuszczak - who last played in May - are on standby.