Liverpool will miss two main players against Man United

Liverpool head into their Premier League clash with Manchester United carrying another heavy injury list, with Arne Slot facing several difficult decisions before the trip to Old Trafford.

The biggest concern remains in goal, where Alisson Becker is still not guaranteed to return. The Brazilian has missed several matches with a hamstring issue, and although he is close to training again, Liverpool do not want to take any unnecessary risk.

Slot explained the situation clearly, saying: “Ali hasn’t trained with us yet. He is very close, but we don’t want to take any risks.” That means Freddie Woodman could continue in goal if Alisson is not cleared in time.

Liverpool will also be without Mohamed Salah, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. The Egyptian confirmed he expects to return before the end of the season, but this match comes too soon for him.

There are also long-term absences, with Giorgi Mamardashvili, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike all unavailable. Alexander Isak is also listed as a doubt, with reports suggesting a possible groin issue.

Milos Kerkez has had minor fitness concerns, but he is expected to be available after returning to training. However, Andy Robertson may still be preferred at left-back due to experience in such a high-pressure fixture.

The midfield should see Ryan Gravenberch return alongside Alexis Mac Allister, giving Liverpool control, energy and balance in the middle of the pitch.

Without Salah, Liverpool’s attack will need to be reshaped. Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo are expected to carry much of the creative responsibility.

If Isak is not risked from the start, Gakpo could lead the line, with Frimpong possibly used higher up the pitch to add pace and width.

The predicted Liverpool XI is: Woodman; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak.

With up to eight senior players potentially missing, this will be another major test of Liverpool’s squad depth in one of the biggest fixtures of the season.