Liverpool head into Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester United at Old Trafford with a squad stretched by injuries, as manager Arne Slot grapples with key doubts and long-term absences. While the fixture promises the usual intensity of this historic rivalry, the Reds’ team selection could prove decisive in a match that carries significant implications for both sides’ ambitions.
Injury Concerns Mount for the Reds
Liverpool could be without as many as seven or eight senior players, with goalkeeper Alisson Becker a notable doubt. The Brazilian shot-stopper has missed the last seven matches with a hamstring injury and has yet to return to full training as of Friday. Slot was cautious in his update: “Ali hasn’t trained with us yet. He’s very close to training with us… We don’t want to take any risk.”
With backup Giorgi Mamardashvili also sidelined (knee injury, expected return mid-May), third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman is on standby for a second consecutive Premier League start after impressing in recent outings.
Alexander Isak adds to the uncertainty with reports of a groin issue, though these remain unconfirmed. Other confirmed absences include:
Mohamed Salah (hamstring, unavailable until mid-May) — a huge blow to Liverpool’s attacking threat, though the Egyptian has indicated he could return before the final game of the season.Wataru Endo (ankle), Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (ACL), Hugo Ekitike (Achilles, long-term until 2027), and Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns (hamstring issues).
Left-back Milos Kerkez missed some training earlier in the week but has returned and is expected to be available.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup
With several key players missing, Slot is likely to field a side that relies on depth and versatility. A predicted XI could look like this:
Woodman; Jones, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo (with Isak marked as a doubt).
This setup highlights the midfield strength with players like Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, while Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo will need to shoulder extra creative and goalscoring responsibility in Salah’s absence. Curtis Jones at right-back offers flexibility, echoing versatile utility roles from past Liverpool squads.
Context and Implications
Liverpool enter the game in a tight battle for top-four positioning, while Manchester United are pushing for Champions League qualification. Despite the absences, Slot has expressed positivity about his squad’s ability to compete, noting they “can play much better” while remaining optimistic.
The “bombshell” element here isn’t a surprise tactical masterstroke but rather the forced reliance on youth and fringe players like Woodman and emerging talents amid a challenging injury list. Manchester United will see opportunities in Liverpool’s disrupted backline and attack, but the Reds’ core of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold alternatives, and a strong midfield could still pose serious problems at Old Trafford.
This match could hinge on whether Alisson recovers in time or if Woodman delivers another solid performance. Liverpool’s depth has been tested all season, and a positive result on Sunday would be a testament to the squad’s resilience under Slot.
Stay tuned for final confirmation closer to kick-off — this Old Trafford encounter remains as unpredictable as ever. What are your thoughts on Slot’s potential lineup? Can Liverpool overcome these absences against their rivals?