Manchester United star suffers injury blow on in international duty

Manchester United have confirmed that on-loan goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has pulled out of the Slovakia squad because of injury.

The shot-stopper, who joined United on loan from Premier League rivals Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, picked up an injury in training, preparing for Slovakia's Nations League clash with Azerbaijan on Thursday evening. As a precautionary measure, he has left the squad and will report back to United's Carrington training base to have his injury assessed.

Dubravka, who was dislodged as Newcastle's first choice goalkeeper over the summer following the signing of Nick Pope from Burnley, was left out of the United squad that travelled to Moldova for the Europa League clash with Sheriff Tiraspol last week. The reason for his absence was not disclosed.

He was set to try and help Slovakia pick up some points over this current international break in their Nations League campaign, with Francesco Calzona's side facing both Azerbaijan and Belarus. He is their first choice goalkeeper and started each of their three group games at the European Championship last year.

He is yet to make his United debut since his arrival at Old Trafford earlier this month, so far being included on the substitutes bench on two occasions. He was drafted into the club to provide competition and back-up for David de Gea.

Earlier this week, Dubravka reflected on how he is settling into life in M16, hailing the support and communication he had received from Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I've probably had the most communication with him (Ronaldo) all day, apart from Scott McTominay and Tom Heaton, who are right next to me in the dressing room, of course," Dubravka told Sport. "We had the opportunity to talk to each other before training and then after training in the gym.

"He asked me about my family, whether I was staying in a hotel now and the usual things. He showed an interest in communication and especially he started first. I didn't want to look like a fan and go straight to him, but it was very pleasant to talk to him about anything."