Liverpool are finally back in action after the international break, and Arne Slot will be without a number of players for Man United‘s visit.
For the first time in a long time, the international break was largely welcomed after three defeats in a row, but it has been long enough, and now it is time to welcome back domestic action.
Liverpool host Man United aiming to get back on the winner’s board, but Slot will be without several players. Here’s who is and is not available for Sunday’s match:
• Ryan Gravenberch (hamstring) – available
• Ibrahima Konate (quad) – available
• Wataru Endo (hamstring) – doubt
• Alisson (hamstring) – out
• Giovanni Leoni (ACL) – out
• Jayden Danns (hamstring) – out
• Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring) – out
Gravenberch and Konate returned to Liverpool with question marks over their fitness, but both trained as normal on Friday and will be in contention to start.
Slot did allay any fears on the Dutchman’s availability early on Friday morning, saying: “Ryan is completely fit. Although we still have to train twice, but if you ask me now he’s completely fit.”
Gravenberch will be expected to start alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in midfield, though Alexis Mac Allister will also be a candidate to start.
There was no new update on Endo‘s availability after he was withdrawn from international duty with a hamstring injury, though separate training suggests he is unlikely to be selected.
Alisson has yet to return to training and Slot confirmed he will “not play at the weekend and also not next week,” ruling him out against Man United, Eintracht Frankfurt and Brentford.
The expectation is that the Brazilian will not mark his return until after the November international break in what is yet another lengthy layoff for the goalkeeper.
Leoni, Bajcetic and Danns are long-term absentees for Liverpool.
Slot’s team selection on Sunday appears straightforward, but two notable decisions are needed when it comes to who starts at right-back and up top.
Available squad vs. Man United
Goalkeepers: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Pecsi
Defenders: Van Dijk, Gomez, Konate, Robertson, Kerkez, Bradley, Frimpong
Midfielders: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones, Nyoni, Endo*
Forwards: Salah, Isak, Gakpo, Ekitike, Chiesa, Ngumoha
* Doubt
Fan Comments