Liverpool’s biggest game of the season is almost here — a fiery clash with Manchester United at Anfield — but the Reds are facing a growing injury crisis that could shape how Sunday’s showdown unfolds. Reports from the AXA Training Centre reveal that as many as **nine players** could miss the Premier League blockbuster, leaving manager Ruben Amorim with a huge selection headache at the worst possible time.
The match kicks off at 16:30 BST and will be live on Sky Sports, but the buildup is already dominated by concerns over who will actually be fit to feature. For Liverpool, the timing couldn’t be worse. The Reds have lost momentum after back-to-back league defeats and a painful Champions League setback against Galatasaray. The pressure is mounting on Amorim, who is still searching for his first away win as Liverpool boss and needs a big result to calm the storm around his early reign. But as history shows, Anfield has a way of inspiring this team — even when their backs are against the wall.
Liverpool’s home record remains phenomenal. The Reds are unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League games at Anfield, winning 16 and drawing four. The atmosphere under the floodlights, the sound of the Kop roaring, and the spirit of fight that defines Liverpool — all of that remains intact. Yet the sense of worry lingers. Manchester United haven’t won at Anfield in their last nine league visits, but injuries and uncertainty could give them hope this time.
The first major blow for Liverpool is the absence of Alisson Becker. The Brazilian shot-stopper, often described as the team’s calm within chaos, suffered a hamstring strain during the 3–2 Champions League defeat in Istanbul. Although he’s been spotted doing light training at Kirkby, medical staff have ruled him out until after the November international break. That means backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher will once again be trusted between the posts for one of the season’s biggest fixtures. Kelleher has proven himself capable in cup competitions, but replacing Alisson’s leadership and command will be a huge challenge.
The second confirmed absentee is Stefan Bajcetic, the young Spaniard whose recovery from hamstring surgery in May has taken longer than expected. Bajcetic is back working individually with the ball but has not yet joined full team sessions. Amorim and his medical team are unwilling to rush him back, prioritising his long-term fitness over short-term risk. It’s another frustrating blow, especially as Bajcetic’s technical ability and energy could have been useful in midfield battles against Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is a major doubt. The French defender, who withdrew from international duty after suffering a quadriceps injury against Chelsea, has not yet returned to full training. His absence would be a huge loss — not just for his defensive qualities but also for his partnership with Virgil van Dijk, which has been the foundation of Liverpool’s backline. If Konate doesn’t make it, Amorim may have to turn to Joe Gomez or the inexperienced Jarell Quansah to fill the void, both of whom have stepped up in recent weeks but lack Konate’s physical dominance.
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In midfield, Wataru Endo is also uncertain after missing Japan’s international fixtures due to a hamstring complaint. The issue was initially described as precautionary, but Liverpool’s staff remain cautious. Endo’s availability could determine how Amorim sets up tactically. Without him, Alexis Mac Allister may need to play a deeper role — something that worked under Arne Slot but doesn’t always allow Liverpool to control the game’s tempo defensively.
Ryan Gravenberch, who was substituted at halftime for the Netherlands against Finland, gave fans some hope after confirming his withdrawal was only fitness-related. “It had a bit to do with fitness. The season is long, so it was precautionary,” he told Dutch reporters. “I feel good about myself and I have the confidence of the trainer.” His words suggest he could still feature, depending on how he performs in final training sessions before Sunday.
For Manchester United, things aren’t smooth either. Erik ten Hag’s men are battling their own injury list, though they’ll arrive at Anfield desperate to take advantage of Liverpool’s vulnerability. **Lisandro Martinez** has returned to training after ACL surgery in February but is not yet ready for competitive action. The club’s medical staff are easing him back gradually, meaning he will almost certainly miss the trip to Merseyside.
Noussair Mazraoui, the versatile Moroccan defender, is another doubt. He hasn’t featured since September 20 due to an unspecified knock. Although he joined up with Morocco during the international break, he didn’t play any minutes. His fitness remains unclear, and Ten Hag will likely give an update during his pre-match press conference.
Teenage defender Ayden Heaven, one of United’s promising academy prospects, is also being monitored. He picked up a minor knock in England’s U20 defeat to Switzerland but is expected to recover quickly. However, with United’s defensive depth already stretched, even minor issues feel significant.
Back at Anfield, Amorim’s biggest headache lies in the balance between fitness management and tactical stability. With so many players under assessment, predicting Liverpool’s starting XI has become nearly impossible. The Portuguese manager faces a difficult decision — whether to risk partially fit players in a must-win game or rely on backups who may not yet have his full trust. It’s a test of depth and adaptability, something Amorim was warned about when he took the job.
Liverpool’s supporters, however, will believe. They always do when Manchester United come to town. The rivalry is too fierce, the occasion too big, for anyone to underestimate. Every time these two giants clash, it transcends football — it becomes about pride, history, and identity. For Amorim, this could be the defining moment of his early Liverpool career. A win could silence critics and restore faith. A loss, however, could deepen doubts about his ability to handle the pressure of the Premier League’s biggest stages.
Behind the scenes, Anfield’s medical department has been working tirelessly. From Alisson’s rehabilitation routines to Endo’s conditioning tests, the focus is on recovering key players as soon as possible without risking further setbacks. Sources close to the club suggest that Endo and Gravenberch both have a 50/50 chance of making the bench, while Konate’s situation remains “touch and go.” The final call will likely be made during Saturday’s closed training session at Kirkby.
Manchester United’s preparation, meanwhile, hasn’t been ideal either. Ten Hag’s squad has struggled with consistency and injuries all season, and their away form has been poor. Yet they’ll know that Liverpool’s vulnerability could offer a rare opportunity to steal three points at Anfield. The Dutch coach will remind his players that even a draw would be a significant result — especially given the club’s historical struggles on Merseyside.
As the countdown to Sunday continues, the atmosphere around both clubs grows tense. For Liverpool, this match isn’t just about three points — it’s about restoring confidence, protecting their home record, and proving that Amorim can steady the ship amid adversity. For United, it’s a chance to inflict damage on their greatest rivals and climb up the table after a turbulent few weeks.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The headlines on Monday will either celebrate Liverpool’s resilience or question Amorim’s control of the situation. The injury list may be long, but this is Anfield — a place where belief often outweighs circumstance. Even with nine potential absentees, Liverpool know that their biggest weapon is their spirit.
