Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool could be missing five key players for their Premier League encounter with Manchester United at Anfield this weekend
- Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch both remain doubts due to recent injuries, facing late fitness assessments
- The Reds approach this fixture as favourites despite having suffered three consecutive defeats across all competitions
Injury Concerns for Slot’s Men
Liverpool are facing a selection headache as as many as five first-team players may be unavailable for their highly anticipated Premier League duel with Manchester United at Anfield this weekend. Arne Slot’s side are preparing to host their fierce rivals for the first time this season, but injuries have disrupted squad preparations and could force significant reshuffling in key areas.
🆕🤕 Ryan Gravenberch’s withdrawal from the Netherlands’ game yesterday wa purely precautionary, and he is expected to be ready to resume training with Liverpool upon his return to Merseyside.
(via : David Lynch) pic.twitter.com/oOwiwv0YRx
— Arne Slot's Army (@ArneSlotArmy_) October 14, 2025
Defensive Disruptions
The defence has proved a particular concern, with Ibrahima Konate forced to withdraw during Liverpool’s recent defeat to Chelsea after aggravating a thigh complaint. The French international, who drew attention off the pitch by revealing he is ‘too afraid’ to spend money despite his £70,000-per-week salary, returned from international duty over the weekend as confirmed by France’s football authorities. A late fitness assessment will determine whether he can feature against United. Should he be sidelined, it would come as a significant setback for Liverpool’s rearguard, despite his inconsistent form this campaign.
Ryan Gravenberch filled in at centre-back following Konate’s withdrawal during the Chelsea game. However, that option may not be available for Slot, as Gravenberch himself was substituted at half-time in the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifying victory over Finland. The change has triggered speculation over his own fitness ahead of the United clash.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman commented: “Ryan indicated he had some minor hamstring problems. Of course, we didn’t take any risks with that.”
Gravenberch added: “It was partly fitness related. The season is long, so it was a precaution. I’m feeling good and I have the coach’s confidence.”
Long-Term Absentees and New Concerns
Alisson’s absence continues after he was previously ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring issue. In addition, summer acquisition Giovanni Leoni suffered a major knee injury last month that is expected to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Waturu Endo has also become a concern for the Liverpool medical team, having withdrawn late from the Japan squad due to an unspecified injury. Japan boss Moriyasu Hajime clarified: “I was thinking about whether to call him up until the very last minute. Asking him to come from Europe again would be a burden for him, so I thought that the current number would be enough.”
Recent Form and Match Outlook
Despite their lengthy injury list and three straight defeats in all competitions, Liverpool remain favourites to overcome Manchester United on their home turf. The Reds experienced a dramatic loss to Crystal Palace, followed by a Champions League defeat at the hands of Galatasaray, before succumbing to another late setback against Chelsea before the international interval.
| Player | Injury/Status | Likelihood to Play vs Man Utd |
|---|---|---|
| Ibrahima Konate | Thigh problem | Late fitness test |
| Ryan Gravenberch | Hamstring concern (precaution) | Doubtful |
| Alisson | Hamstring injury | Out for several weeks |
| Giovanni Leoni | Severe knee injury | Out for the season |
| Waturu Endo | Undisclosed injury | Uncertain |
