Liverpool handed Wijnaldum injury scare ahead of Man Utd visit

Liverpool handed Wijnaldum injury scare ahead of Man Utd visit

Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum faces a race to be fit for the Premier League showdown with Manchester United after picking up an injury on international duty.

The Dutch international started against France in Monday night’s World Cup qualifying 1-0 defeat, only to limp off after an hour with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.

After some treatment by the physio on the pitch, he was substituted and replaced by Bas Dost.

Any damage is likely to mean the 25-year-old is forced out of the meeting with Jose Mourinho’s side at Anfield, adding to Klopp’s problems as he is also sweating on the availability of Adam Lallana.

Lallana was forced out of England’s qualifiers with a groin strain and although he has not yet been ruled out – and will be given every chance of recovering this week – he too is rated doubtful at this stage.

Klopp does have options, however. Emre Can has been using the latest international break to step up his fitness and played 90 minutes in a behind closed door friendly against Bradford City at Melwood over the weekend. Liverpool won 5-0.

France were impressive in Amsterdam as they showed why they are favourites in Group A qualifying with a stunning long-range strike from Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba securing the points for the visitors.

The Netherlands, without the injured Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, had already suffered an early setback when Quincy Promes, who scored twice on Friday, was replaced by Memphis Depay after only 16 minutes.

But the sight of Wijnaldum clutching his right leg will be a big concern for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp who will be desperate to have all his players available when they face their fierce rivals on Monday night at Anfield.

Wijnaldum, who signed from Newcastle for £25m in the summer, has impressed for the Reds this season having started every league game.

Liverpool, sitting fourth in the Premier League, welcome Jose Mourinho’s men with their opponents two places below and two points behind.

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