Manchester United handed transfer blow as Schalke star Leon Goretzka suffers recurrence of leg injury

• e-mail

Manchester United's hopes of adding Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka to their squad this winter have been dealt a blow.

The 22-year-old Schalke star is set for another spell on the sidelines after suffering a recurrence of a leg injury.

United had been considering a January bid for Goretzka — with Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona also credited with an interest in the stylish No 8 — but a mid-season move now looks unlikely as he may struggle to pass a medical.

Manchester United's hopes of signing Leon Goretzka in January 2018 have been dealt a blow

Goretzka was injured in Schalke's draw with Cologne so would likely fail a medical next month

Goretzka could be on the move later in 2018 though. His contract expires at the end of June, meaning he will be available on a free transfer in the summer unless he signs a new deal in Gelsenkirchen.

Schalke broke the news of Goretzka's injury setback via Twitter on Wednesday night. 

'Leon Goretzka has suffered a recurrence of the injury in his lower leg,' the club's official account tweeted. 'In order to put these continuous and worsening pains to bed, Leon will undergo examinations over the coming days.

'Until then, it is unclear as to when Leon will be fit to train and play once again. Get well soon, Leon.'

Schalke sporting director Axel Schuster added on Thursday morning: 'Leon Goretzka had problems after the game against Cologne. We're taking our time with him to make sure we get it right and to ensure we pinpoint the exact issue.'

Goretzka has scored six goals in 14 appearances for club and country this season.

He has been in good form this season, scoring six goal in 14 games, including two for Germany

Goretzka will be determined to be fit for the World Cup, after winning the Confederations Cup