MANCHESTER UNITED star David De Gea injured his groin playing through the pain barrier, claims Spain manager Roberto Moreno.
The 28-year-old hobbled out of his country’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Sweden after appearing to pull a muscle as he cleared a back pass.
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De Gea had sustained the problem during the first-half of the 1-1 draw but attempted to play on following the restart.
However, he was unable to continue and was eventually replaced by Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on the hour mark.
And Spain boss Moreno confirmed his No1 had suffered a muscle abductor injury but had wanted to play through the pain.
He said: “He (De Gea) had pain in the abductor muscle but he received treatment at half-time and wanted to keep playing.
“He gave us his word, but in the end he couldn’t continue.”
De Gea is set to undergo a scan and full assessment back at United but is now a huge doubt for the Red Devils’ clash with Liverpool this weekend.
The timing could not be worse for boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, given he has been without a full-strength first team to pick from since August.
Full-backs Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are expected to push for first-team places after picking up injuries.
But Paul Pogba remains a doubt for Sunday’s grudge match after posting a video of his workout in Dubai with dressings on his foot.
Anthony Martial has also had to work from the treatment room for the last eight games with a thigh injury.
De Gea had pulled off a couple of incredible saves earlier in the game as Spain battled back from 1-0 down to tie in Stockholm.
But his injury could be a blessing in disguise for United, with Sergio Romero, who actually boasts a far superior record in the Premier League, ready to step in.
The Argentine keeper, 32, has played just twice this season – once in the Europa League and once in the Carabao Cup.
