Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is facing early concerns ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool, as six first-team players were absent from training.
Liverpool will welcome their long-standing rivals to Anfield in what will be both sides’ first match following the October international break. The Premier League champions have only two confirmed absentees — Alisson Becker and Giovanni Leoni — according to Premier Injuries.
There were initial worries surrounding Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konaté after minor issues during international duty, but both players are expected to be available for the weekend.
Manchester United’s Absentees
According to George Flood of The Standard, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, Noussair Mazraoui, and Lisandro Martínez were all missing from today’s training session at Carrington.
The first four — Fernandes, Diallo, Cunha, and Casemiro — were reportedly given extended rest following their international commitments, which concluded on Tuesday. Mazraoui, who joined Morocco’s squad earlier this month but did not feature due to injury, remains a doubt. Meanwhile, Martínez continues his recovery from an ACL injury and may not return until United’s clash with Brighton later this month.
Despite these absences, it is believed that Fernandes and the others who were away with their national teams could return in time to face Liverpool on Sunday.
Liverpool Seeking Response
Liverpool, meanwhile, are desperate to return to winning ways. Arne Slot’s side have lost three consecutive games and could fall four points behind league leaders Arsenal if the Gunners defeat Fulham on Saturday.
The Reds will be motivated by more than just bragging rights this weekend. Having drawn their last two home fixtures against Manchester United, despite being the stronger side in both seasons, the champions will be determined to ensure history does not repeat itself for a third time.
Regardless of who features for United, Liverpool will be eager to prove that their pre-international break struggles were merely a temporary setback rather than the start of a downward trend.