Manchester United's David De Gea to miss Midtjylland clash

The injury crisis at Manchester United has reared its ugly head again, this time with star shot-stopper David De Gea slated to miss Thursday's pivotal Europa League second-leg tilt with Midtjylland.

De Gea, 25, injured his knee in warmups ahead of the Red Devils' 2-1 first-leg defeat in Denmark and was subsequently replaced by second-choice shot-stopper Sergio Romero.

Related: Manchester United faces injury crisis ahead of Midtjylland

United boss Louis van Gaal spoke with the media Wednesday ahead of the visit from the Danish minnow, conceding that De Gea's race for fitness will come up short.

"I was hoping for that but he shall not be involved, that is certain," the Dutch gaffer offered.

De Gea's absence is coupled with a shortage of defenders, with injuries to Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, and Luke Shaw leaving Van Gaal few options at the back.

Standout centre-back Chris Smalling missed training Wednesday and could miss out on the round of 32 clash. Young defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson was also absent from training, putting his participation into question.

After a long-term spell on the sidelines, Argentine full-back Marcos Rojo is fit for Thursday's clash. Van Gaal said Wednesday that the defender will play no more than 20 minutes after being out since December.