Liverpool will be missing six key players for the Man United match.

Liverpool heads into the upcoming clash with Manchester United without any new injury concerns, though Jurgen Klopp will be missing at least six players. The recovery journey has commenced for defender Joel Matip, who recently underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during the 4-3 win over Fulham in early December.

In their final Europa League group stage match against Union Saint-Gilloise, Klopp made substantial changes, fielding a lineup that excluded key players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alisson Becker. This allowed opportunities for Kirkby Academy graduates, including Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, and Harvey Elliott.

Despite efforts to avoid defeat, Liverpool fell to Union SG with a 2-1 scoreline. However, the match provided a chance to rest several first-team players, and it seems the squad emerged unscathed, offering Klopp options for the upcoming fixture against Manchester United.

While long-term absentees like Stefan Bajcetic persist, there are positive signs on the injury front. Thiago Alcantara, absent the entire season, was spotted at the AXA Training Centre alongside Salah, indicating progress in his recovery. Klopp anticipates Thiago’s return to first-team training at the start of the New Year, expressing eagerness to have the exceptional midfielder back.

Another boost is the imminent return of Andy Robertson, who eyes a comeback in the New Year after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in October. Meanwhile, Diogo Jota and Alexis Mac Allister remain sidelined. Jota, forced off in the draw with Manchester City, may not feature against Manchester United, while Mac Allister continues his recovery from a significant tackle in the win over Sheffield United.

Last week, Klopp expressed his delight at the prospect of the 32-year-old returning to first-team training. “It’s an ongoing thing,” he explained.