Man City hit by Given injury blow

City keeper Given was stretchered off at the Emirates

Manchester City are facing a potential goalkeeping crisis after Shay Given was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Rookie Gunnar Nielsen replaced Given after the Republic of Ireland keeper dislocated his shoulder making a save during the 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

Nielsen, 23, was making his debut for City and is currently the club's only available keeper for the season run-in.

Current number two Stuart Taylor is injured, while Joe Hart is on a season-long loan at Birmingham City.

Roberto Mancini's side are currently fifth after Saturday's stalemate but still hope to overtake Tottenham for fourth place to qualify for the Champions League next season, with City due to play Spurs at Eastlands on Wednesday 5 May.

"For us, Given is an important player, " said Mancini of the 33-year-old who joined City from Newcastle in February 2009 in a £15m transfer.

"We have three massive games left, but when Nielsen came on, he played well. Nielsen is calm and quiet, but he was relaxed on the pitch and played well.

"Stuart is still some way off and everyone must be 200% now."

606: DEBATE Shay's unjury looks pretty bad have to say I realy feel for the guy davcitymad

While Given has won over 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland, Nielsen has made just two international appearances for the Faroe Islands.

He joined City in 2009 on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers after a loan spell with Conference side Wrexham.

Former Arsenal keeper Taylor played for City in the FA Cup against Scunthorpe in January but has not been available since the end of March.

Earlier this month Mancini said he could recall England World Cup squad hopeful Joe Hart to Eastlands in time for next season after he has impressed on a season-long loan at Birmingham.

Given was stretchered off before being taken to hospital.

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