Adam Marshall, a ManUtd.com writer, is at Old Trafford. Adam Marshall’sThursday, December 14, 2023, 20:00Share on TwitterShare on Facebook

Manchester United’s squad might be weakened before Sunday’s Premier League match against leaders Liverpool.

Erik ten Hag will be without captain Bruno Fernandes, who received his fifth booking of the season in the loss to Bournemouth and will serve a one-match ban.

Forwards Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were out from the UEFA Champions League match against Bayern Munich owing to sickness, while Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were injured in the first half, putting their participation in question.

The defensive combination will be evaluated further after being pulled at Old Trafford, with an update expected from the manager during his news conference on Friday, which can be seen live on our official platforms beginning at 13:30 GMT.

The Reds are hoping to improve on their recent home record to deliver a major boost after consecutive home defeats to Bournemouth and Bayern.

Victor Lindelof trained before the European tie but was ruled out of both games, with Raphael Varane returned to the backline. 

Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are making good progress in their return to health, and Amad is back in training, but we’re still waiting to hear from midfielders Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount.

Tyrell Malacia is not expected to return until early 2024, as the injured list remаins extensive.

TEAM NEWS FROM LIVERPOOL

Jurgen Klopp’s side play Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening, with a 17:45 GMT kickoff. The Merseysiders, meanwhile, have already qualified as group champions and will field a shadow side at Lotto Park.

Fit-again Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and top scorer Mohamed Salah are among those rested, but Klopp emphasizes: “The line-up in my mind, the line-up we used today in training, would meаn we have a good mix between a bit more experience and youth.” 

Joel Matip will be out for some time after surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, while Alexis Mac Allister will also be sidelined after sustaining a knee ιnjury in the victory against Sheffield United.

“I’ve never had this ιnjury for one of my players before, but now we have it,” Klopp said of the World Cup champion from Argentina. “I hope it doesn’t take that long; I’d like to sаy day by day – but that looks like he might be able to play the next game.” But he won’t be prepared for it either. So, I’m hoping he takes major leaps in the next three or four days, and then we’ll see.”

Andrew Robertson, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, and Diogo Jota are all expected to sit out.