The rivalry between [Manchester United](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/manchester-united-enfrenta-teste-decisivo-contra-brentford/) and Liverpool is set to reach a new level of tension, but a bombshell news could shift the balance of this historic clash: Mohamed Salah, the biggest nightmare for the Red Devils, is out of the upcoming match at Old Trafford due to a serious muscle injury. This unexpected turn could redefine the battle for third place in the [Premier League](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/wrexham-sofre-derrota-amarga-e-complica-playoff-na-championship/), in a confrontation that promises intense emotions.
Before focusing on the classic, the Red Devils have a crucial commitment against Brentford on Monday night. However, all eyes are already on Liverpool’s return to Old Trafford, in a match that could be decisive for the race for the podium in the English league. In the first leg, held at Anfield, it was [United](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/manchester-united-e-city-lutam-por-elliot-anderson-em-grande-transferencia/) who came out on top, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory, but this time the scenario will be different, with the 90 minutes set to be a contest with no room for error.
Both teams arrive in good form, making this encounter a true battle of strategies and endurance. Manchester United may also benefit from the return of Patrick Dorgu, an important addition who could make a difference. On the other hand, Liverpool faces a tough blow: in addition to the confirmed absence of Hugo Ekitike, Mohamed Salah is expected to miss this crucial clash after being forced to leave with a tendon injury during the Reds’ last victory, a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
The medical specialist for the Egyptian national team, Ibrahim Hassan, confirmed the severity of Salah’s injury in statements to Reuters, revealing that the forward suffered a tendon rupture and will require about four weeks of recovery. This downtime casts doubt on the player’s participation in future matches and raises suspicions about whether this might have been his last appearance for Liverpool, especially at a time when there is talk of his likely departure from the club next summer.
Mohamed Salah, although he has not been at his best recently, continues to be a true goal-scoring machine against Manchester United. In 18 direct encounters, the Egyptian has an impressive tally of 16 goals and 6 assists, establishing himself as the player who has caused the most suffering to the Red Devils in the Premier League. His absence at Old Trafford represents a tremendous blow for Liverpool and, at the same time, a golden opportunity for United to regain ground and assert their dominance in the league.
This clash between Manchester United and Liverpool, already electrifying, takes on a new flavor with the uncertainties surrounding Salah’s presence. The English classic has never been so unpredictable, and fans on both sides are eagerly awaiting a match that could change the course of the season. The battle for third place is heating up, and the question lingering in the air is: will United be able to take advantage of the absence of their biggest rival to triumph on enemy territory? The answer will be revealed on the pitch, where every minute will count.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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