Erik ten Hag confirms 2 Manchester United stars will miss PL clash against Liverpool
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed that both Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount will be unavailable for the highly-anticipated Premier League clash against Liverpool. The two sides will face off at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 1.
The absence of these two key players will further deepen the club's existing injury woes as they prepare for one of the biggest fixtures of the season. Hojlund, who joined United last summer, has been working diligently to regain full fitness after suffering an injury during pre-season. Despite being back on the training pitch at Carrington, the Danish striker has been ruled out of action until after the international break.
Asked about Hojlund’s potential return, Ten Hag said in the pre-match press conference (via Manchester United website):
"We have to see how it develops, how we can progress during the break, to get match fit. He returned on the [training] pitch but it will take a while before he is up. Everyone has seen, it [the injury] happens in the first game [of Tour 2024], so he needs also to build some fitness."
Additionally, Ten Hag confirmed that Mason Mount will also miss the Liverpool clash. He sustained a minor muscle issue during United’s recent defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Mount, who was substituted at half-time last week, is expected to be sidelined for a few games as he recovers from the injury.
Manchester United were already without Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Leny Yoro, and the absence of Hojlund and Mount will further deplete Ten Hag’s options. The Dutch manager indicated that he will likely field a similar squad to the one used at the Amex Stadium last Saturday.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot provides squad update ahead of Manchester United clash
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on his squad's availability ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United.
The Reds might have to wait to see their latest signing, Italian winger Federico Chiesa, in action. Slot suggested that the fixture may come too soon for him.
The 26-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Juventus earlier this week, has only just begun training with his new teammates. While there is a slim chance that he could be included in the squad, Slot tempered expectations.
“He’s going to train with us today but it’s a bigger chance that he is not in the squad for Sunday than he is,” Slot said (via Manchester United website).
“If injuries might come up in the upcoming two days we might need him, but I don’t expect him to be in, but I cannot guarantee this.”
The uncertainty surrounding Chiesa's involvement leaves Liverpool fans eager to see when the Italian international will make his debut for the club.
Slot also addressed the status of Curtis Jones, who is the only Liverpool player doubtful for Sunday’s match. The homegrown midfielder didn't join the rest of the group during Friday's training session, which casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming clash.