Manchester United have issues in defence as we head towards Sunday's crucial Premier League meeting with Liverpool.
Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez were ruled out for at least a month, two days before Thursday's helter-skelter 4-3 defeat at Chelsea, and two more centre-backs also have fitness issues following the trip to London.
Raphael Varane was substituted at half-time for the second game in a row after limping in the closing stages of the first half.
The Frenchman was replaced by Jonny Evans – back after missing the Liverpool and Brentford games in March – for the second period but the 36-year-old could only manage a 21-minute cameo before Willy Kambwala had to be called upon.
After the game, Erik ten Hag said it was too early to assess the severity of the pair's problems, but if they cannot return in time for the Merseysiders' visit on Sunday, that would leave Kambwala and Harry Maguire as the only natural options in central defence.
There are questions over Casemiro's fitness too, as the Brazilian midfielder was also forced off in the second half, but Mason Mount could be pushing for a start after another promising cameo.
Scott McTominay is also an option in the engine room, if required, while Sofyan Amrabat and Christian Eriksen were unused substitutes in both the Brentford and Chelsea games.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was among the replacements in west London too, after recovering from injury, while Amad – scorer of the winning goal in the memorable United v Liverpool Emirates FA Cup quarter-final three weeks ago – returned to the squad following suspension.
There has been no further update regarding a trio of longer-term absentees.
Anthony Martial has not featured since December and is still recovering from groin surgery, while Luke Shaw hopes to return from his complaint before the end of the campaign.
Tyrell Malacia is another player sidelined, with the Dutchman yet to feature in the 2023/24 season.
LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
Liverpool scored two late goals to see off struggling Sheffield United 3-1 at Anfield on Thursday night, as Ibrahima Konate, who missed last month’s FA Cup meeting due to a thigh problem, returned to the starting line-up.
Ryan Gravenberch was also named in the XI for the first time since February’s Carabao Cup final, while Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones made their comebacks from the bench. Wataru Endo is expected to be fit after sitting out the meeting with the Blades due to a knock.
“That's my information. We rested him today,”
said Jurgen Klopp. “We had a feeling there could have been a chance for tonight, but if we leave him out, then there is a big chance for Sunday. I hope that didn't change.”
Joel Matip (knee) and Thiago Alcantara (muscular) are long-term absentees, while Klopp will also be without Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota, although the trio are close to a return to full training.