Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea will not play against Tottenham on Saturday as he continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Speculation over the future of the 24-year-old, who reportedly wants to move to Real, has persisted all summer.
“I think about the human being more than the player and I don’t think he can handle that,” said Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal.
New signing Sergio Romero is likely to start the Premier League season-opener.
Van Gaal could select 31-year-old Anders Lindegaard or Sam Johnstone, 22. Both travelled on the US tour, but neither played for United last season.
United also have Victor Valdes, but the 33-year-old Spaniard has been made available for transfer after Van Gaal claimed he “refused to play” in the reserves.
De Gea has made 175 appearances since joining United from Real’s city rivals Atletico Madrid in 2011.
United are believed to be holding out for a deal that includes Real defender Sergio Ramos coming to Old Trafford.
