Manchester United has confirmed the club will be going against league leader Liverpool this coming Sunday without two key players. Paul Pogba is not healthy enough to play despite serious rehab during the international break while David De Gea got hurt representing Spain in the Euro 2020 qualifier with Sweden.
Pogba was reported to have suffered a cracked toe after United's match against Arsenal. He was sent to Dubai to undergo a warm-weather therapy, and it appeared he is unable to heal back in time for the clash with Liverpool, which remains unbeaten in the league.
Likewise, De Gea will be unavailable for the Sunday game, deemed as crucial, and possibly would determine the fate of United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
"Pogba has not recovered from a foot injury while De Gea requires a scan after sustaining what appeared to be a groin problem in Spain's Euro 2020 qualifier with Sweden," The Guardian reported.
According to Solskjaer, Pogba is certainly unfit for Sunday, adding the Frenchman "had a scan after the Arsenal game [at the end of last month] and maybe needed a few weeks' rest in a boot so hopefully he won't be too long."
As for the Spain international, he too will have to undergo a scan and will most likely miss the match with Liverpool at the Old Trafford.
"I think he'll be out. It certainly looked like it anyway judging on last night so it's one of those things," the Norwegian boss said of De Gea.
United forced to miss Pogba, and De Gea served as another blow to the club's uninspiring campaign at the Premier League. As things stand now for the Reds, Solskjaer will have to make do with a depleted squad that only heightens the fear they could suffer another loss.
"Solskjaer is without Jesse Lingard, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, and Diogo Dalot while Luke Shaw and Mason Greenwood are currently rated as doubtful to play a part," Metro said in its report, underscoring how dreadful the situation for Solskjaer and company.
Expected to step in for De Gea is Sergio Romero, while Anthony Martial might be in top shape to fill the void created by Pogba's absence. The last update on Martial indicated he is doing well after two months of recovering from a thigh strain.
Bleacher Report said not having Pogba on the pitch will surely hurt the Reds as he is proven to deliver when it matters most.
"Without the former Juventus man, United lack thrust and spark in the final third. While he can occasionally lose the ball cheaply, Pogba makes things happen, whether that be with a precise long pass or a fierce shot from distance," the report said.
