13 players could miss Man United vs Liverpool with Champions League football at stake

Manchester United welcome fierce rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday with a win guaranteeing Champions League football next season

Manchester United and Liverpool will renew their rivalry at Old Trafford on Sunday. Both teams are battling to qualify for next season's Champions League with the Reds knowing a win will guarantee their spot, regardless of results elsewhere. However, if they are to do it, they could be without a few key players.

Lisandro Martinez's absence is guaranteed as he serves the third of his three-match ban. The Argentine defender was sent off during the 2-1 defeat to Leeds, having been adjudged to have pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair.

Matthijs de Ligt will also be unavailable against Liverpool. De Ligt has not played since the 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace in December. He has returned to the grass for individual training but Sunday will come too soon for him. Luke Shaw limped off during the victory over Brentford on Monday night. However, Michael Carrick did not provide a specific update on his fitness on Friday.

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Matheus Cunha missed the win over Brentford with a sore hip flexor. The Brazil international returned to team training on Thursday and Carrick explained he is hopeful, but not certain, that Cunha will be fit for Sunday.

Opponents Liverpool have a longer injury list. Mohamed Salah picked up a minor muscular injury during the win over Crystal Palace last weekend. While the winger is expected to be back before the end of the season, Arne Slot confirmed he will miss the trip to United.

Goalkeeper Alisson has been out since March and Slot confirmed he had not returned to training. The Brazil international was assessed on Friday but remains a doubt. His understudy Giorgi Mamardashvili picked up a 'large wound' during the win over Everton and has been missing since, meaning third choice Freddie Woodman could start for Liverpool again this weekend.

Milos Kerkez picked up a knock in training this week but is expected to train before the trip to United. Liverpool also have a list of players out for the remainder of the campaign.

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