Lindegaard suffers setback

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 United tried to stabilise its 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 its status as Premier League leader.

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.