Liverpool given injury boost ahead of Man United clash as Arne Slot choice becomes clear

Liverpool’s season has reached a crucial point, and the pressure on Arne Slot is growing heavier than ever. Three straight Premier League defeats have left the Reds desperate for a win, and what better way to bounce back than by facing their fiercest rivals, Manchester United, at Anfield? The stage is set for one of the most intense fixtures in English football, and this time, it carries even more weight for Liverpool’s season.
Slot knows he cannot afford another loss. A fourth consecutive defeat would not just damage Liverpool’s confidence—it could change the mood around Anfield entirely. Fans who were excited about the new era under Slot have started to ask questions, and the only answer they want is a win over United. As the international break comes to an end, Liverpool’s players are returning to Merseyside, some in high spirits and others carrying knocks and fatigue. But among all the news and rumours, one update has brought a much-needed boost—Andy Robertson’s return to full fitness.
When the Scotland captain limped off late in the match against Chelsea, Liverpool fans feared the worst. The left-back has been one of the team’s most reliable and passionate figures for years, and losing him before such a massive game would have been a huge blow. But just when things looked worrying, Robertson delivered the perfect response—he played 90 strong minutes for Scotland in their match against Greece. Not only did he look sharp, but he also showed no signs of discomfort, proving that the injury scare was just that—a scare.
This is a major boost for Arne Slot, who now faces a big decision at left-back. Milos Kerkez, the young Hungarian signed to compete with Robertson, has been given plenty of opportunities this season, but the results haven’t gone as planned. Though full of potential and energy, Kerkez has struggled to adapt to the rhythm and expectations of Liverpool football. His positioning has often been questionable, and his defensive awareness still needs maturity. Against Chelsea, his performance was disappointing once again, and he looked out of confidence.
Slot’s decision to use Kerkez ahead of Robertson earlier this season was seen as a sign of long-term planning—a way to slowly introduce youth while managing the minutes of his older stars. But the Premier League is ruthless. When results start to dip, there’s no time for slow transitions. Now, with United coming to town and Liverpool in desperate need of a statement victory, Slot cannot afford to gamble on form or future. Experience must take over.
Robertson’s return changes everything. The 31-year-old may not be as fast as he once was, but his leadership, communication, and understanding of Liverpool’s system make him irreplaceable in high-pressure games. He knows what it means to face Manchester United. He knows the emotion, the chaos, and the fine margins that often decide these games. When the battle gets tough, you need players who can stay calm but also fight like warriors—and Robertson is exactly that kind of player.
Milos Kerkez, on the other hand, will have his time. He’s young, talented, and full of promise. Liverpool clearly see him as the long-term successor to Robertson, someone who could take over that position for the next five to ten years. But form cannot be ignored. Kerkez’s performances have been shaky, and his confidence seems to be slipping. Leaving him out of the lineup might actually protect him from further pressure. Letting him watch and learn from Robertson in such a massive fixture could help his development in the long run.
Slot must now make the bold but logical choice—restore Andy Robertson to the starting lineup for the Manchester United clash. This isn’t about loyalty or nostalgia; it’s about reliability and balance. Liverpool’s backline has looked unstable in recent weeks, and part of that comes from too many changes and too little communication. With Alisson Becker still out injured, Liverpool’s defense needs as much experience and understanding as possible. Robertson brings that. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been one of the strongest defensive duos in the Premier League over the past few years. When those two play together, Liverpool look calmer, stronger, and more organized.
Anfield will be electric when United arrive. The rivalry between the two sides goes far beyond football—it’s about pride, history, and dominance. For Arne Slot, this is the first time he’ll experience the full atmosphere of a Liverpool-United clash from the dugout, and he’ll know what’s at stake. Liverpool’s fans will demand intensity from the first whistle. They’ll want to see hunger, pressing, and the kind of fight that defines this club. Slot’s selection, especially in defense, will play a big role in setting that tone.
Robertson is a natural leader, both on and off the pitch. His voice, his energy, and his connection with the fans can lift the entire team. When Liverpool are struggling, he’s one of the few players who always steps up to rally his teammates. That kind of influence is priceless in games like this. Slot may still be building his version of Liverpool, but certain foundations should remain untouched—Robertson’s leadership is one of them.
The Scottish defender’s recent spell on the bench will have hurt his pride, but it may have also reignited his determination. He has been at the club long enough to understand that competition is part of progress. Yet, when he steps onto the pitch against United, he’ll see it as a personal mission—to prove that he’s still the man for Liverpool’s left flank. For Slot, that kind of motivation can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Of course, Robertson hasn’t been flawless this season. Some have argued that he’s lost a bit of sharpness, and there are moments when his defensive positioning has been questionable. But his overall contribution—his overlapping runs, his pressing, and his ability to create attacking chances from deep—remains unmatched. Against a Manchester United side that often tries to counter quickly, his pace and awareness could be vital in preventing transitions.
This game is about control, pride, and power. United, despite their inconsistency, will arrive with confidence after a recent upturn in form. They’ll know that Liverpool are wounded and desperate, and they’ll want to take advantage of that. Slot’s challenge will be to steady his team, restore belief, and remind everyone of the Liverpool identity—hard work, pressing, and unity. Having Robertson back helps with all three.
With Alisson still sidelined and Caoimhin Kelleher expected to continue in goal, Liverpool’s defense cannot afford any lapses. Van Dijk will marshal the center, and Robertson’s presence on the left will give the Dutchman a trusted partner who understands his rhythm. Trent Alexander-Arnold, on the other side, will need to stay disciplined, as United’s wingers are always dangerous. Robertson’s experience will help balance that, ensuring Liverpool don’t get exposed on the break.
Slot has shown that he’s not afraid to make bold calls, but this is one decision that seems clear. The data, the form, and the situation all point in one direction—Robertson must return. Kerkez’s time will come, but for this monumental fixture, Liverpool need warriors, not learners.
Robertson’s journey with Liverpool has been one of persistence and pride. Signed for just £8 million from Hull City in 2017, he went from an underdog to one of the best full-backs in world football. His relentless energy, leadership, and connection with the fans have made him a symbol of Liverpool’s spirit under Jurgen Klopp. Now, under Slot, he faces a new challenge—to prove that his story is far from over.
Liverpool fans will welcome him back with open arms. They know what he brings. They’ve seen him lift trophies, inspire comebacks, and give everything for the badge. Against Manchester United, that’s exactly the kind of fire Liverpool need.
As the countdown begins, the question isn’t whether Robertson is ready—it’s whether Slot will make the right call. Because at this point in Liverpool’s season, sentiment no longer matters; results do. And if Liverpool want to get back on track, if they want to silence the critics and reignite belief, they need their leaders back on the pitch. Andy Robertson is one of them.
This game could define Liverpool’s response to adversity. A win against Manchester United would not just bring three points—it would restore confidence, pride, and momentum. And if that victory comes with Robertson leading the charge down the left wing once more, it would feel like the return of something Liverpool have missed: fight, spirit, and the heart of Anfield itself.