Liverpool could be without five players when they welcome Manchester United to Anfield this weekend. The two rivals will meet for the first time this season in the Premier League in what promises to be a blockbuster affair. However, Arne Slot has some serious worries over several key squad members, including two new faces.

Ibrahima Konate was forced off in the defeat to Chelsea and failed to recover from a thigh problem, leading France to announce over the weekend that he had returned to Liverpool. The defender, who recently admitted that he was 'too afraid' to spend money despite earning £70,000 per week, will face a late fitness test ahead of the United clash. His absence would be a major blow for Liverpool in spite of his patchy form so far this season.

Ryan Gravenberch stepped in at centre-back when Konate was substituted last weekend, but Slot may not have that option if the former remains sidelined.

That's because Gravenberch was replaced at half-time during the Netherlands' recent World Cup qualifying win over Finland, fuelling speculation that he could be sidelined against United.

Speaking afterwards, Dutch...