Liverpool Facing Injury Concerns Before United Showdown
Arne Slot is dealing with several fitness worries ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United on Sunday, as key players face a race against time to be declared fit.
The Reds boss suffered his first setback during the defeat to Chelsea before the international break, when Ibrahima Konaté limped off with a quad injury. Although the defender joined up with the France squad, he only completed light training sessions and did not feature in their win over Azerbaijan. He has since returned to England for further assessment, leaving Slot unsure about his availability.
Another concern for Liverpool is Alexis Mac Allister, who has been on international duty with Argentina. Their friendly against Puerto Rico was rescheduled from Monday in Chicago to Tuesday night in Miami, giving the midfielder even less time to recover from travel and prepare for the high-pressure encounter at Anfield.
Adding to Slot’s list of worries, Ryan Gravenberch is also a doubt after being substituted at half-time in the Netherlands’ victory over Finland. The midfielder reportedly complained of minor hamstring discomfort, prompting Ronald Koeman to take him off as a precaution. Liverpool are already confirmed to be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker, while Wataru Endo also missed Japan’s friendlies during the break, raising further doubts about his readiness for the weekend.
United Open To Keeping Casemiro Beyond 2026
Manchester United are reportedly open to retaining Casemiro beyond his current contract, but only if he agrees to a reduced salary. The Brazilian midfielder’s deal is due to expire in June 2026, and he will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January should no extension be agreed.
United paid £70 million to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in 2022, a move that attracted scrutiny given his age at the time. However, the club viewed him as a stabilising presence in midfield and a proven leader capable of guiding a young squad. Since then, his form has fluctuated, but under Ruben Amorim, he has re-established himself as a key figure, starting five of United’s seven Premier League matches this season.
According to ESPN, INEOS have not ruled out keeping him beyond next summer, though a significant pay cut would be required. Casemiro remains the club’s highest earner following the exits of David de Gea and Raphael Varane. While United hold an option to extend his deal by a further year, doing so would maintain his current wages, a situation the club may wish to avoid.
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