;)
Liverpool have been handed a big injury concern in their race for Champions League qualification with Manchester United
Manchester United’s Champions League rivals Liverpool will be without Alisson for their Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. The Brazilian keeper has been plagued by minor issues over the last few weeks, and it has been deemed too risky for him to play this weekend.
Giorgi Mamardashvili is therefore set to be in between the sticks – as he was for the Champions League last-16 first leg defeat to Galatasaray. Alisson was back in goal for Wednesday’s second leg, however, after returning for the 1-1 Premier League draw against Tottenham the previous weekend.
Liverpool are one of four teams firmly in the race for Champions League qualification for next season with United, Chelsea and Aston Villa occupying the other three positions behind Manchester City and Arsenal. Brentford, Everton and Newcastle United could all feasibly still finish in the top five, though.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
Injuries will likely play a key role in determining which team misses out, with Liverpool’s fortunes seemingly changing recently. That was further proven earlier this week as Mohamed Salah asked to be taken off, and Slot has since revealed he will not be available this weekend.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
He said of Salah: “Unusual [he is injured], I think you expect the outcome so he is not available for tomorrow. Good thing for Liverpool is we go to international break, bad news for Egypt, he can’t go there.
“We hope with what Mo has shown in the past he can recovery faster than other players. He takes such good care of his body, he can be back earlier than others as history has shown. Only two weeks until we go again.”
On Joe Gomez, he added: “Joe wasn’t able to come in, we tried to postpone it as often we could [against Gala], maybe a miracle can happen I told him if needed him in extra time. He might be – might be – available tomorrow but not to start.”
Michael Carrick has largely been handed a favourable hand regarding injuries, with Patrick Dorgu, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt the only players out injured.
Mason Mount recently returned from a four-week absence with Carrick issuing an update on his condition ahead of the Friday’s trip to Bournemouth.
He said: “Starting would be too much at this point, from training time and the exposure he’s had. It’s brilliant to have him back, he’s a fantastic player and great to have around the group. The break coming up is a good time for him.”
Those comments were proven true with Mount named among the substitutes for the trip to Vitality Stadium with Carrick naming an unchanged starting XI from the win over Aston Villa.
That means Benjamin Sesko is also on the bench again despite scoring in last weekend’s 3-1 victory with Amad joining Bryam Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes in the front four.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login