Bruno Fernandes was one of six Manchester United players missing from training ahead of their clash with Liverpool.
Manchester United were missing several key players from first-team training today as they prepare for Sunday’s trip to Anfield.
Liverpool host their long-time rivals in what will be both sides’ first match following the October international break. The Premier League champions have only two confirmed absentees — Alisson Becker and Giovanni Leoni (Premier Injuries). There had been minor concerns over Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate during international duty, but both issues appear to have been precautionary, and the pair are expected to be available for selection.
Man United’s training absentees
According to George Flood of The Standard, six Manchester United players were missing from today’s session at Carrington: Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, Casemiro, Noussair Mazraoui, and Lisandro Martinez.
The first four were granted extra rest after featuring for their countries as recently as Tuesday. Mazraoui, who joined Morocco’s camp but didn’t play due to a minor injury, remains a doubt, while Martinez’s recovery from an ACL issue could delay his return until the Brighton match later this month.
Although Fernandes, Amad, Casemiro, and Cunha sat out training, their absence is believed to be precautionary, with all four still in contention to face Liverpool. The availability of Mazraoui and Martinez remains less certain. Overall, manager Ruben Amorim looks set to have close to a full-strength squad for the trip to Merseyside.
Liverpool’s response needed
United have managed to avoid defeat on their last two visits to Anfield despite being well below Liverpool in the table, and the Reds will be eager to put an end to that run. Arne Slot’s men also have a point to prove after three consecutive defeats. Depending on Arsenal’s result at Fulham on Saturday, Liverpool could find themselves four points behind the leaders — making Sunday’s clash a crucial opportunity to bounce back and reaffirm their title credentials.