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Manchester United has been handed an injury scare ahead of next weekend’s clash with Liverpool, with Ruben Amorim still waiting to find out the full extent of defender Ayden Heaven’s problem.
The Reds host their biggest rival on October 19 in their first game back following the international break. Arne Slot’s side will be hoping to return to winning ways at Anfield, having lost their last three consecutive games.
Both sides will be keeping their fingers crossed that their players come through the break unscathed, although United looks to have been handed an issue, with Heaven having raised fears over his fitness while away with England U20s.
The 19-year-old suffered a knock during the opening minute of the Young Lions’ game against Switzerland on Friday, and required lengthy treatment.
Although he returned to action, he would end up being substituted at half-time, raising fears that he could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
England coach Ben Futcher looked to play down those concerns after the game, although he admitted that he would have to wait to confirm that there was no major issue.
“He picked something up. I don’t think it is too serious, but we will have to see how it settles down,” Futcher said (via BBC Sport).
Heaven joined United from Arsenal earlier this year, and played six times for Amorim’s side as they struggled with injuries during the latter stages of the season.
He suffered his own injury problems though as his run in the side was cut short, with his only start this season coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in August.
Given Amorim’s insistence on playing a back three though, Heaven could be given more opportunities, although a potential injury would come as another blow to United.
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The Red Devils are already without Lisandro Martinez, who isn’t expected back from an ACL injury until later in the year, while Amorim will be hoping to have Noussair Mazraroui back in time for the trip to Anfield.
Liverpool, meanwhile, has its own problems in defense, with Ibrahima Konate having been sent home early from duty with France. The 26-year-old picked up a thigh problem during last weekend’s defeat to Chelsea, and had been training away from the rest of his international teammates.
The Reds are already without GIovanni Leoni, who is expected to miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL, and Alisson Becker, who was forced off during the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.
Wataru Endo, meanwhile, pulled out of Japan’s squad, offering another concern for Slot ahead of United’s visit.
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