It is that time of the year again. Manchester United lock horns with traditional rivals Liverpool on Sunday in a fixture that is looked forward to the most by any United fan. After suffering heart-break and agony over both ties against Liverpool last season, Manchester United would be looking forward to achieving some joy in the two fixtures this season. First up is the trip to Anfield and frankly speaking, Liverpool have never appeared weaker than they are now. However, as the saying goes, an opponent is at his most dangerous when backed into the corner. There is no place for complacency at all; we have to be at the top of our game to gain anything from the fixture. Our task has been made a lot more difficult by the news that two of our most crucial players this term in Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher are doubtful for this key clash.

Rooney has been out for over a fortnight now with a calf injury that he picked up during the England international with Ukraine. Sir Alex has called Rooney’s participation as ‘highly doubtful’ and has left his decision until after the Saturday practice session to make his final decision. Fletcher is similarly struggling with a groin problem and faces a race against time to be fit for the game on Sunday.

“On the injury front I can’t give a clear picture, there are still some doubts about Rooney and Fletcher. He [Rooney]  is always desperate to play, that’s the nature of the boy. Of course, you can’t let that cloud the realistic side of things. It’s going to be important how he does in training on Saturday. We’ll see if Wayne does train on Saturday and then we’ll have a better idea.”

Sir Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra, who both missed the trip to Moscow, are set to be back after recovering from their respective injuries. Park is still out with his knee problem and Hargo remains the only other injury casualty. All others are fit for Sunday.

Meanwhile, Torres looks likely to shrug off his thigh problem to resume his tussle with the Serbinator. Stevie Me is highly doubtful after aggravating his groin problem against Lyon in their midweek Champions League clash.

Tagged as: Injuries, Liverpool