Man United goalkeeper David De Gea's woes continue with injury in Spain training

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has enjoyed little luck in recent months and has now suffered another setback in Spain training.

The shot-stopper has been ruled out of his nation's Round of 16 tie against Croatia after sustaining a thigh injury during a training session.

De Gea has yet to feature in this summer's tournament with Athletic Club Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon chosen by Spain boss Luis Enrique in each of the three group games.

This is in the context of a prolonged decline for the United goalkeeper which has seen him lose his regular spot at club level to Dean Henderson.

David de Gea (L) suffered a thigh injury in Spain training ( Image:

POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

De Gea was re-selected as first-choice goalkeeper for United for their Europa League final defeat against Villarreal, where he played an unfortunate role in the loss.

The Spaniard failed to stop any of Villarreal's 11 spot kicks in the shootout - stretching his miserable run of failing to save penalties to a remarkable 45 - before his decisive shot was saved by opposition goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

De Gea is one of three goalkeepers in the Spain national squad for this summer's tournament alongside Simon and Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez - who enjoyed a sterling campaign on the south coast.

Sanchez is now set to be back up to Simon for Monday's Round of 16 tie against Croatia in Copenhagen.

Video footage has shown De Gea limping out of Spain's training session on Sunday, aided by physios, as he walked down the sidelines and into the dressing rooms to be assessed.

It is yet unclear if the injury will sideline De Gea for the rest of the tournament or if he could come back into selection should his nation advance to the latter stages.

Luis Enrique's side were unconvincing in the group stages; held by Sweden and Poland before a five-goal victory over underdogs Slovakia booked their passage through to the Round of 16 as Group E runners-up.

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They will be favourites to advance against Croatia, which could set-up a mouth-watering quarter final tie against France, who will take on Switzerland later on Monday.

The goalkeeping position has been a long-term problem for Spain with the loss of form of De Gea and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga causing issues in the position.

Arrizabalaga lost his first-choice role at Stamford Bridge last year to Edouard Mendy and despite featuring for his national team in the timeframe since, was excluded from the squad for the tournament.

De Gea started all four Nations League matches for Spain over last September and October - conceding just two goals - but lost his place for March's World Cup qualifiers.

United's other goalkeeper Henderson was forced to withdraw from the England squad earlier in the tournament and is now focusing on regaining full fitness ahead of the club's pre-season.

Jordan Pickford remains England's number one choice with Sam Johnstone of West Brom and Sheffield United's Aaron Ramsdale also in the squad.