Thurs afternoon update: Journo confirms fresh team news out of Carrington as three first-teamers are nowhere to be seen

For the most recent matches, the coach has had to make do without Benjamin Sesko, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt – all of whom were absent for Thursday’s training session at Carrington.

Samuel Luckhurst confirmed that the trio were nowhere to be seen as the rest of their teammates started their preparations this afternoon, prompting young Jack Fletcher to be called up to test his resolve amongst the senior squad.

Both Sesko and Maguire have been ruled out since before the November international break, when they sustained injuries in the 2-2 draw away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Meanwhile, De Ligt had started every game and played the full 90 minutes up to the contest against West Ham on December 4, when he was omitted from the matchday squad due to a fitness issue.

Amorim sweating on trio’s recovery

19-year-old Ayden Heaven was deployed from the off in De Ligt’s absence, and retained his place for the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers despite Leny Yoro being available.

Amorim will likely provide more clarity over his sidelined Reds when he addresses the press on Friday afternoon.