Liverpool and Manchester United headline the Premier League’s return this weekend, with both sides eager to make a statement at Anfield. However, while United’s squad looks close to full strength, Liverpool boss Arne Slot faces a growing injury headache — one that could leave him without as many as seven players.
Liverpool face mounting injury list
Arne Slot’s side went into the international break carrying a few fitness doubts, and it seems things have only gotten worse in the last week or so.
Ibrahima Konate is the latest player to be added to that list after he picked up a thigh injury in last Wednesday’s loss at Chelsea. The French Football Federation confirmed at the weekend that the defender had withdrawn from international duty and travelled back to Merseyside for treatment. It remains to be seen whether he will play on Sunday and one would have to think that against united that it is highly unlikely.
Ryan Gravenberch, who replaced Konate at centre back, is a concern too. The Dutch midfielder left the pitch at half-time during the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifying win in Finland after feeling hamstring discomfort. Head coach said he made the substitution as a “precaution,” and Liverpool will assess the player further ahead of the weekend.
Alisson Becker remains sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up in late September and he is a big miss. Caoimhin Kelleher deserves to retain the goalkeepers’ jersey, filling in ably of late. Giovanni Leoni, signed by Liverpool from Torino in the summer, is long-term unavailable after picking up a serious knee injury shortly after his debut.
There are also doubts over Wataru Endo, who pulled out of Japan’s team on the eve of the break owing to an unspecified problem. The midfielder had played regularly under Slot and his non-appearance will further reduce Liverpool’s midfield numbers.
Youngster Conor Bradley will remain sidelined as he continues recovering from a stress-related back issue, leaving the Reds potentially stretched in defence again. Could be quite the nerve-wracking run into one of the games of the season for Slot.
Manchester United close to full strength
On the other hand, Manchester United’s injury crisis is finally subsiding under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager led his team to a 2-0 victory over Sunderland prior to the international break — a result that featured Mason Mount making his first start since August and celebrate with a goal.
United could make the trip to Anfield with something close to a clean bill of health. Both Matheus Cunha and Diogo Dalot are after an injury lay off, while Lisandro Martínez has returned to full team training eight months after suffering an ACL injury. But Amorim is likely to handle his comeback with care making it only to the bench, if that.
Noussair Mazraoui was absent for United’s last game through a knock and is in contention to return. The Morocco international has returned to light training in recent days and is likely to be in contention; providing Amorim with additional options at full-back.
Author’s View: Momentum vs. Management
Liverpool’s injury problems come at a sensitive moment for Arne Slot. The Dutchman’s team relies on high energy and positional rotation, which the absence of key players could disrupt. The loss of both Konate and Gravenberch would necessitate tactical changes, which would restrict the Reds from pressing and constructing from deep.
For Manchester United, the picture is much brighter. Amorim’s men are seeking consistency, and consecutive league victories would add to belief in his venture. But Anfield ranks as one of the most fearsome grounds on the planet, and even a weakened Liverpool remains a threat.
As it stands, Slot has a race against time to mend his team before Sunday’s encounter — one that could decide the early course of both teams’ seasons.
