Liverpool to Face Manchester United Without Three Key Players Due to Injuries

Liverpool is set to play Manchester United on Sunday without midfielder Marie Hobinger, who is sidelined with a groin injury. The 23-year-old Austrian international is scheduled for a scan later this week. Additionally, manager Matt Beard’s squad will miss defenders Gemma Evans and Hannah Silcock; both players suffered concussions while on international duty, representing Wales and England’s under-23s, respectively. Manager Beard commented on the situation, stating, “It’s a big blow. We haven’t got any of the others back that were injured, apart from Jasmine Matthews.” He added, “It has been a bit frustrating. The injuries just keep mounting up.” Consequently, 17-year-old Zara Shaw is expected to be in the starting lineup against United, as Liverpool aims to reduce the six-point lead their rivals currently hold. Beard praised Shaw, remarking, “I thought she was excellent against Newcastle and she had a fantastic [under-17s] World Cup.” He continued, “She’s a dream to work with. When she did her anterior cruciate ligament, the way she went about it was so mature and so positive. She’s a fantastic talent. She’s going to be a great player in the future. If I could have played her at 15 years old, I would have because she was ready then.”