Seven players that could miss Liverpool vs Man United after key star forced off with injury

Anfield is preparing for one of the biggest games of the Premier League season, but dark clouds are already forming over both camps. As Liverpool get ready to face their fierce rivals Manchester United this Sunday, new injury concerns have sent shockwaves through both dressing rooms. What was supposed to be a fiery battle between two giants may now be decided by who has enough fit players left to fight. Seven key names from both sides are now doubts for this blockbuster clash, and the tension could not be higher.

Manchester United, now under Ruben Amorim, have been trying to find consistency since the Portuguese manager took charge. After weeks of poor form, they finally secured a much-needed 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break. It was a result that lifted spirits in the United camp, giving hope that Amorim’s philosophy was beginning to take shape. Mason Mount, who had been out for months, returned and marked his first start since August with a well-taken goal. It was the kind of performance United fans had been waiting for from the former Chelsea midfielder. But while Amorim celebrated Mount’s return, new worries have begun to appear in unexpected places.

Ryan Gravenberch, the former Liverpool midfielder who made a controversial switch to Manchester United in the summer, was taken off at half-time for the Netherlands during their World Cup qualifying win over Finland. At first, many thought it was a tactical change. But Dutch boss Ronald Koeman later revealed the truth — Gravenberch had reported minor hamstring discomfort. “Ryan indicated he had some minor hamstring problems,” Koeman said after the match. “Of course, we didn’t take any risks with that.” That statement sent alarm bells ringing around Old Trafford, especially with such a crucial fixture looming. United’s medical staff will now be assessing him closely, but the chances of him being fully fit for Anfield are fading fast.

Gravenberch’s absence would be a huge blow to Amorim’s plans. The Dutchman has been quietly growing into his role under the new manager, showing more confidence and aggression in midfield. His energy and ability to carry the ball through pressure have given United a new dimension. Against Liverpool’s pressing game, his absence could be disastrous. But even worse, Gravenberch’s issue isn’t the only one haunting Amorim this week.

Lisandro Martinez, one of United’s most important defenders, has just returned to training after being out since February with a serious ACL injury. The Argentine warrior, known for his fearless defending and leadership, has been sorely missed. His absence left a hole in United’s backline that could not be fully filled. Raphael Varane has also struggled with form and fitness this season, meaning United’s defense has looked vulnerable. Martinez’s return to training is a boost, but Amorim knows rushing him back could risk a setback. “We need Lisandro, but we need him healthy,” the manager reportedly told his staff during the week. The plan is to ease him back gradually, not throw him straight into one of the fiercest battles in world football.

United’s injury list doesn’t end there. Noussair Mazraoui, who missed their last match, remains a doubt for the Liverpool game. The Moroccan full-back picked up a knock and has been in rehabilitation during the break. Amorim hopes he will recover in time, but as of now, his fitness is still uncertain. Without him, United would have to reshuffle their defense once again — possibly moving Dalot or even young Kobbie Mainoo into unfamiliar roles.

Interestingly, Amorim’s squad has been healing slowly in recent weeks. Diogo Dalot and Matheus Cunha have returned, bringing more depth and attacking options. Mason Mount’s goal against Sunderland proved that he is regaining confidence. For the first time in months, United looked balanced. But football can be cruel — just when things start to stabilize, injuries come calling again.

On the other side, Arne Slot’s Liverpool have their own nightmare brewing. The Reds went into the international break full of optimism after a strong run of results, but the injury to Ibrahima Konate has changed the mood entirely. The French defender was forced off during Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea with a thigh problem. At first, it didn’t seem serious, but France’s national team confirmed over the weekend that Konate had returned to Liverpool for further checks. That means he will almost certainly miss the United clash — a massive blow for Slot, who has relied heavily on Konate’s strength and pace alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Konate’s absence opens a defensive gap that Slot will struggle to fill. Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are available, but neither offers the same defensive dominance or experience. Against Manchester United’s attackers — especially if Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund are fit — that gap could be costly. Slot may even have to experiment with his backline again, something he has been doing far too often since taking charge. The injuries have forced him to be creative, but consistency has been hard to find.

The timing of these issues couldn’t be worse for Liverpool. The match against Manchester United at Anfield is not just another game — it’s one of the fiercest rivalries in world football. It’s about pride, history, and bragging rights. Every tackle, every goal, every mistake is remembered for years. Slot knows how much this means to the fans. He also knows that losing key players before such a huge occasion could tilt the balance in United’s favor.

Adding to his headache is Ryan Gravenberch’s situation. The Dutch midfielder, now wearing United’s colors, could have been a secret weapon for Liverpool if he had stayed. His move to Old Trafford last summer was controversial, with some Liverpool supporters accusing him of betrayal. Facing his former club at Anfield was supposed to be his moment to prove a point. Now, with a hamstring concern, that reunion may not happen at all.

As the match draws near, both camps are monitoring several names closely. For Liverpool, Konate remains doubtful, while there are whispers of minor discomforts for others returning from international duty. Slot has been cautious with player workloads, aware that fatigue after the international break often leads to injuries. The likes of Darwin Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been heavily involved with their national teams. Any sign of fatigue could influence Slot’s selection.

For Manchester United, Amorim’s main challenge is managing risk. Gravenberch’s hamstring issue may not be severe, but soft tissue injuries can worsen if not handled carefully. Martinez may be ready to train, but match fitness is another matter. Mazraoui is racing against time, while Mount, despite his goal, is still building sharpness. Amorim’s medical team will be working around the clock to ensure as many players as possible are ready for Anfield.

Behind the scenes, both managers have been keeping their players focused. Amorim has emphasized calm and confidence. “Anfield is a place where courage wins,” he reportedly told his squad during training. “If you fear the noise, you’ve already lost.” Slot, meanwhile, has reminded his players of what Liverpool represents — intensity, togetherness, and never giving up. He knows the fans at Anfield can lift the team even in difficult moments. But he also knows that losing key defenders like Konate can be the difference between a win and a painful defeat.

Seven players across both teams could now miss the match — Konate, Gravenberch, Martinez, Mazraoui, possibly Luke Shaw who is still recovering from his muscle injury, and for Liverpool, there’s also uncertainty around Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo’s match sharpness. That’s nearly a full lineup of absentees in a game where every small detail matters.

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United goes beyond football. It’s a clash of cities, histories, and philosophies. Both clubs have dominated English football at different times. For Liverpool, it’s about their recent resurgence — European glory and a Premier League title under Klopp. For United, it’s about reclaiming that lost dominance and proving they can rise again. This Sunday’s game is more than just three points. It’s a test of identity.

Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim represent two new eras. Both young, ambitious, and tactical thinkers, they are leading their clubs through periods of transition. Both are aware that games like this can define their seasons. A win at Anfield could cement Amorim’s growing reputation in England, while a victory for Slot would reassert Liverpool’s dominance and silence early-season critics. But to do that, they need their players fit — and right now, that’s the one thing neither can fully control.

Fans from both sides are holding their breath. Social media is buzzing with speculation. Liverpool fans worry about Konate’s recovery updates, while United supporters refresh pages for Gravenberch’s medical news. Every hour feels tense. Even neutral fans know that this fixture loses none of its magic — even if some stars are missing, the fire between these two clubs never dies.

As kickoff approaches, Anfield will be electric. The red scarves, the noise of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the banners, the tension — everything will be ready. But behind that noise, both managers will be calculating, adjusting, and hoping that their patched-up teams can survive the ninety minutes. Because when Liverpool meet Manchester United, it’s not just football. It’s war disguised as sport.

Whether it’s Gravenberch’s hamstring, Konate’s thigh, or Martinez’s return, every small story builds into one big drama. The outcome could shape the Premier League table, the mood of both fanbases, and the confidence of two squads trying to find their rhythm after years of transition.

One thing is certain: when the whistle blows at Anfield, all injury worries will be forgotten for a moment. The roar of the crowd will drown out everything. For those ninety minutes, it will be pure emotion — history repeating itself in a new chapter of English football’s greatest rivalry.

But when the dust settles, the real story might not just be who won or lost — it might be about who survived the injuries long enough to fight another day. And in a season that’s already been unpredictable, that could make all the difference.