Two Liverpool stars set to return for Man United clash | OneFootball

Liverpool injury update as key players face race for fitness ahead of Man Utd clash

Reds battling fitness concerns before crucial Anfield meeting

Liverpool’s preparations for the return of Premier League football have been overshadowed by a worrying list of injuries, just as Arne Slot’s side prepare for the visit of Manchester United. After three consecutive defeats, including losses to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Galatasaray, the champions have found themselves searching for both rhythm and resilience.

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Slot’s first real test of adversity has arrived. Two senior players returning early from international duty has intensified concern within the Liverpool camp, while a handful of others remain under assessment. The fixture against United has always carried emotional weight, but this time it arrives amid a backdrop of fragility and uncertainty.

The Dutchman admitted after the defeat in Istanbul that the run of losses had hit hard, and now his challenge lies in balancing recovery with readiness. Here’s the latest on Liverpool’s injury situation ahead of one of the defining weekends of their season.

Gravenberch fitness monitored closely

Ryan Gravenberch’s growing influence in midfield has been one of the few bright spots in Liverpool’s recent weeks. However, his momentum has stalled after picking up a hamstring issue while on international duty with the Netherlands. The midfielder was withdrawn at half-time during the 4-0 win over Finland, with Ronald Koeman confirming that the substitution was precautionary.

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Gravenberch himself later explained that he was feeling a slight niggle and didn’t want to risk aggravating it. His return date remains optimistic, with hopes he will be ready to face United. Slot will, however, make a late decision, mindful of the risk that another setback could cost him a key component in his tactical structure.

Potential return date: October 19, vs Manchester United (H)

Konate’s quad problem raises concerns

Ibrahima Konate’s season has been marked by promise interrupted by pain. The French defender limped off during the defeat to Chelsea and later joined up with the national squad despite admitting to discomfort in his quad. France manager Didier Deschamps opted against using him in the 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan, and Konate was sent back to Merseyside for further assessment.

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His defensive presence, power and ability to build from the back have been missed in recent matches, particularly in Europe where Liverpool’s structure looked uncertain. The club’s medical team are expected to make a late call, but optimism is limited. If unavailable, Slot will once again need to reshuffle his defence for the visit of United.

Potential return date: Unknown

Alisson recovery slower than expected

The sight of Alisson Becker being forced off in the 1-0 loss to Galatasaray was one that sent a ripple of anxiety through supporters and coaching staff alike. Liverpool’s goalkeeper, a symbol of calm and reliability, is now facing a race against time to be fit for the next league fixture.

Slot’s words after the incident were sobering. “It depends on how fast the recovery goes, so it’s clear that he is not going to play for Brazil,” he said. “I will be surprised if he [Alisson] will be there for the first game after the international break. From there on things can go a bit faster or a bit slower. It’s difficult to say the amount of days and weeks. For the upcoming games he will not be apart of us or the Brazil team.”

It seems increasingly likely that Alisson will miss the clash against United, meaning Giorgi Mamardashvili may once again be trusted between the posts. Slot will hope his stand-in can provide stability in a fixture that often defines momentum.

Potential return date: Late October

Endo absence adds to midfield uncertainty

Wataru Endo’s withdrawal from Japan’s international squad last week added another layer of uncertainty to Liverpool’s midfield selection. The Japanese FA confirmed that he would miss matches against Paraguay and Brazil due to injury, though neither Liverpool nor the player himself have disclosed the full extent of the issue.

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“Japan National Team will be without Wataru Endo (Liverpool FC) due to injury in the Kirin Challenge Cup 2025,” read the official statement. There is hope that he could return for the United match, but much depends on how he responds in training over the coming days.

Potential return date: October 19, vs Manchester United (H)

Leoni faces lengthy spell out

New arrival Giovanni Leoni’s Liverpool career has been cruelly halted before it began. The young defender tore his ACL during the League Cup win over Southampton and will be sidelined for around a year. Slot expressed his sympathy for the teenager, describing the situation as “very hard to take the positives”.

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“He tore his ACL which means that he will be out for around a year,” Slot said. “Being so young, coming to a new country, playing so well in your first game, it’s very hard to take the positives. You always try to look at the positive side and that is that he is still so young. He still has so many years to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that.”

For now, Liverpool’s injury list remains a growing concern, and with United looming, Slot must find a way to reignite his side’s intensity and belief. The coming week at Kirkby will be crucial, not just for healing bodies but for rebuilding confidence.