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11 players to miss Manchester United vs Liverpool clash
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Manchester United head into one of their biggest fixtures of the season on Sunday knowing that Champions League qualification is now firmly within reach as they prepare to welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford.

With just four games remaining, United sit third in the Premier League table and hold an 11-point cushion over sixth-placed Brighton, putting them in a strong position to secure a top-four finish if they maintain their current form.

The squad situation, however, remains a mixed picture ahead of the clash, with injuries and suspensions continuing to shape Michael Carrick’s selection plans.

Matthijs de Ligt remains unavailable after missing the last 21 league matches due to a persistent back injury, with the defender still working individually despite recently returning to light training on grass.

There is better news on Matheus Cunha, who missed the win over Brentford with a minor hip issue but is expected to be available again for selection against Liverpool.

Luke Shaw is also a doubt after being forced off during the same match and will require late fitness assessment before the weekend.

In defence, Lisandro Martinez will serve the final game of his suspension after his red card against Leeds United for an incident involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin, leaving United short of options at the back.

Liverpool also arrive with their own injury concerns, most notably the absence of Mohamed Salah, who picked up a hamstring issue in their win over Crystal Palace, although the club remain hopeful he has not played his final game of the season.

Goalkeeping remains uncertain for the visitors, with Alisson Becker still recovering from injury after missing several matches, while Giorgi Mamardashvili sustained a serious knee injury, leaving an open wound after a heavy collision with Beto of Everton.

Further problems in defence and attack have left Liverpool stretched, with Conor Bradley ruled out for the season following knee surgery and Giovanni Leoni also sidelined long-term after ACL surgery.

Up front, Hugo Ekitike faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an Achilles tendon injury sustained against Paris Saint-Germain, adding to their attacking concerns.

Midfielder Wataru Endo has returned to light training after ankle surgery in February, but his availability for the Old Trafford clash remains uncertain.

With both sides dealing with key absences, Sunday’s clash promises to be a decisive test in United’s push to secure a return to Europe’s elite competition.

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This article first appeared on centredevils and was syndicated with permission.

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