Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday and face Liverpool at Anfield, but Ruben Amorim might be without Noussair Mazraoui because of an injury
Ruben Amorim has revealed that Manchester United could be without defender Noussair Mazraoui for Sunday’s clash with Liverpool. The Red Devils are back in Premier League action following the international break and face a mouth-watering trip to Anfield.
But Mazraoui, 27, might not make the journey across the M62. Speaing at his press conference on Friday, Amorim explained: “Licha [Martinez] is near and almost returning to training with the team. Mazraoui, I don’t know.”
Centre-back Lisandro Martinez has been sidelined since February after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. The Argentine recently stepped up his recovery and is aiming to return in November.
As for Mazraoui, he hasn’t featured in United’s last two games and missed out on representing his country. The Morocco international came off just after the hour mark in September’s 2-1 win against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
In more positive news, Amorim expects every player who was on international duty to be available against Liverpool, who are on a run of three consecutive defeats. “The rest of the guys with the international teams, they are ready,” the Red Devils boss affirmed.
“But if you saw the games, some players were in Japan, so we need to be careful and give more time. Diogo [Dalot] didn’t play the last game, he was here, Bruno [Fernandes] played 62 minutes, we tried to give one more day. We tried to balance everything to have the guys ready, but the guys returning from international break, they are ready.”
One man who’s almost certain to start is goalkeeper Senne Lammens, following his impressive debut in the 2-0 victory at home to Sunderland earlier this month. “He did a great job and it’s possible he will start the game,” Amorim commented.
“The first impression in this game is really important. To maintain the level is even more difficult. He is not (Peter) Schmeichel yet, he is a young guy with talent and has shown a lot of composure.”
Liverpool, however, won’t be able to call on their first-choice goalkeeper. Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson Becker remains unavailable for the match, so Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue between the posts.
“Ryan (Gravenberch) is completely fit, although we still have to train twice. But if you ask me now he is completely fit,” Slot added. “Ibou (Konate) has come back to us, started the sessions again and is expected to train with us today.”
Amorim has only faced Liverpool once since becoming United manager, overseeing a gutsy 2-2 draw at Anfield in January. He has the chance to win back-to-back Premier League games for the first time after 11 months in charge.
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