In a key Matchday 35 clash of the 2025–26 Premier League, Manchester United host Liverpool FC, a side dealing with important absences. Mohamed Salah picked up a minor muscle injury, while Alisson Becker has been out with a hamstring injury for the last weeks.
During their last match against Crystal Palace, where the team managed by Arne Slot came out victorious 3–1, the standout moment of the matchday was Salah’s injury. Although he will not be present at Old Trafford, those close to him are confident that he can return to play before the end of the tournament.
“He is always working incredibly hard during the season when he is fit and when he is injured to get back as soon as possible,” Slot said to the press. “Usually he is back fit earlier than other players. He has a minor injury and we expect and need him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday.”
The manager also added: “It is a big relief that his injury is minor and he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If a player deserves a big send-off then it is Mo.”
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool.
Alisson Becker’s situation
Alisson Becker has been sidelined since mid-March 2026 due to a recurring hamstring injury. While he has missed the last six weeks of action, manager Arne Slot recently confirmed that the Brazilian is very close to a return, sending encouraging news to Liverpool fans.
“He hasn’t trained with us yet but is very close to,” Slot said of Alisson. “We will hear today from the medical staff if he can train today. We don’t want to take any risks. There is a difference between a player and goalkeeper in terms of coming back. [Outfield] players need to run much more.”
The starting goalkeeper position for the team would once again be filled by Freddie Woodman, the squad’s third-choice keeper, who replaced Giorgi Mamardashvili during the match against Everton after a knee injury.
Alisson Becker during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Key clash against Manchester United
With just four matches remaining, Liverpool currently has 58 points and sit in fourth place in the table. Three points ahead is Manchester United, making this a potentially crucial opportunity for the visitors to draw level with their opponent.
Liverpool upcoming matches:
- Matchday 35, at Manchester United
- Matchday 36, vs Chelsea
- Matchday 37, at Aston Villa
- Matchday 38, vs Brentford
