- Liverpool without Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak vs Manchester United
- Red Devils handed massive boost
- Arne Slot’s injury crisis
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has ruled out both Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak ahead of the clash against Manchester United. This gives a huge boost to Michael Carrick’s side, with Salah terrorising United across his nine years at the club.
Across 18 games against United, Salah has scored 16 goals—the most of any player in the competition—whilst providing six assists. Between 24 October 2021 and 5 March 2023, the two sides faced off on five separate occasions, with the Egyptian star scoring 10 times, whilst providing four assists.
Liverpool would win just three of those matches, but they put 19 goals past United, with those victories coming in embarrassing fashion—5-0, 4-0, and of course, 7-0.
Man Utd vs Liverpool – Salah and Isak Both Ruled Out
Liverpool boss Slot said regarding Salah’s status: “As we know from Mo, [he is] always working incredibly hard,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference. Usually, he is earlier fit than other players from a minor injury but not for Sunday.”
That was not all, however, as the Dutchman provided an insight into the goalkeeping situation, with Alisson Becker likely to be out, and Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili remaining sidelined after suffering an injury in the Merseyside derby.
“It’s a bonus for every player that comes back,” said Slot. “Ali[son] hasn’t trained yet, [but is] very close to training, so I have to speak to the medical staff.
“We don’t want to take any risks. But there is a difference between an [outfield] player and a goalkeeper in terms of coming back.
“He is very close but we, of course, don’t want to take any risks because that’s not what you want for any player.”
Yesterday, however, the situation worsened when it was revealed that Isak would be out with a groin injury.
The Swedish star is yet to replicate his form from Newcastle United, but Liverpool will still miss him, especially with Hugo Ekitike already sidelined after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in the side’s 2-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on 14 April.
This leaves Liverpool without a recognised first-team striker, with Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, and Wataru Endo all also out, while Milos Kerkez remains doubtful.
Read: Latest Manchester United news and updates
What a Win Would Mean For Man Utd
Whilst a loss for either side would not prove detrimental to their season, it would mean surrendering bragging rights and likely finishing below the other. For Carrick, however, it may carry greater significance.
Since coming in, the interim head coach has transformed the team, winning nine of his 13 games. Amongst those victories were wins against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
You could argue that, had Carrick beaten Leeds United, and if he beats Liverpool today, he would have defeated United’s five biggest rivals.
A win today would not only mathematically guarantee Champions League football, but it could also push INEOS closer to deciding whether Carrick is fit to take the reins full-time.
Read: Manchester United Stars Doubt Michael Carrick Can be Club’s ‘Next Great Manager’
