Manchester United were without several key players during Thursday’s training session as preparations continue for their high-stakes Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds will host their arch-rivals in what will be both sides’ first match after the October international break. For Liverpool, there are currently just two confirmed absentees — Alisson Becker and Giovanni Leoni — both sidelined with injuries, according to Premier Injuries.
There were also minor concerns earlier this week surrounding Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konaté after international duty, but those issues appear to have been precautionary, and both are expected to be fit in time for the weekend.
❌ Who Missed Man United Training
According to George Flood of The Standard, six senior Manchester United players were missing from today’s session at Carrington:
- Bruno Fernandes
- Amad Diallo
- Matheus Cunha
- Casemiro
- Noussair Mazraoui
- Lisandro Martínez
The first four — Fernandes, Amad, Cunha, and Casemiro — were reportedly granted extended time off after representing their national teams earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Mazraoui is nursing a minor knock picked up on international duty with Morocco, while Martínez continues to recover from his ACL injury. The Argentine centre-back, who scored at Anfield last season, could make his return later this month when United face Brighton.
⚔️ Liverpool’s Urgent Need for a Response
Despite United’s fitness concerns, Rúben Amorim is still expected to have a largely fit squad for the trip to Anfield — much like Arne Slot, who will be desperate to stop Liverpool’s recent slide in form.
The reigning champions enter this derby on the back of three straight defeats, and they could find themselves four points behind Arsenal if the Gunners beat Fulham on Saturday.
Liverpool haven’t beaten United at Anfield in their last two attempts, drawing both times despite being the stronger side in each season. Slot’s men will be eager to make a statement, not only to reclaim bragging rights but also to prove that their pre-break struggles were a temporary dip rather than the start of a deeper crisis.
All eyes will be on Anfield this Sunday — and on whether Bruno Fernandes and his fellow absentees can recover in time for one of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries.
