Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini have joined a growing injury list ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday.
Manchester United face the toughest test of their Premier League title credentials so far this season, when they play the crunch game against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. As the Red Devils look to continue their unbeaten run, Jose Mourinho has been handed a major blow in his preparations.
The Manchester United boss wouldn’t have been left impressed by some of the developments during the international break. Marouane Fellaini is the latest player on the treatment table after sustaining a knee injury while on duty with Belgium.
The earliest reports suggest that the in-form midfielder will face a few weeks on the sidelines. But, Mourinho is now left with just two recognised options in midfield, with Paul Pogba (hamstring) and Michael Carrick (calf) unavailable as well.
Some good news did greet the Manchester United boss though, as Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (knee) seem to have stepped up their recoveries from their respective injuries and the duo is expected to be available for selection earlier than anticipated.
Jose Mourinho confirms Michael Carrick is sidelined for tomorrow’s game against Liverpool, but Romelu Lukaku is fit and available. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/ks6HMLnV4y
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 13, 2017
Marcos Rojo, too, could be back in December, a month ahead of schedule. Also on a positive note, Romelu Lukaku has come away unscathed from the international break and is expected to start on Saturday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mourinho chose not to speak about Fellaini’s injury, but confirmed that Carrick is sidelined, while also talking about Lukaku’s situation.
“Michael Carrick? I know he cannot play, I know that. Lukaku looks fine and that’s it.”
Meanwhile, Phil Jones, who had to pull out of the England squad due to a knee complaint, is likely to be fit and available as well. He is expected to joined by Eric Bailly at the heart of the Manchester United defence.
Mourinho also added that he is approaching the Liverpool game as he does any other outing, claiming that while it will be a tough match at Anfield, the objective will be to grab all three points.
“The objective is to win, as it is every time. We want to win, but we play against a team that wants the same. They play at home, they are very strong in the matches against the top teams and we know it will not be easy. We have to play the best we can.”
