Paul Pogba and David de Gea both ruled out for Manchester United vs. Liverpool

As if Manchester United weren't already facing the odds against Liverpool when the Premier League returns from international break this weekend, they’ll now have to play without two of their star players. According to Sky Sports, goalkeeper David de Gea and midfielder Paul Pogba will be absent from the pitch come Sunday’s clash against the longtime rivals.

“David needs a scan,” manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed to the publication. “I think he’ll be out. It certainly looked like it anyway judging on last night so it’s just one of those things.”

De Gea limped off the pitch with a muscle sprain during the second half of Spain’s 1-1 draw against Sweden in Tuesday night’s Euro 2020 qualifier. Thankfully, the Red Devils have a stable backup in Sergio Romero, who will make his first league start of this year’s campaign. The Argentinian has only featured in Europa League and Carabao Cup play this year.

Regarding Pogba, the Norwegian boss told Sky Sports:

“Paul had an injury, he came back, he worked really hard. He came back and played a couple of games, maybe played through the pain barrier. He had a scan after the Arsenal game and maybe needed a few weeks’ rest in a boot so hopefully he won’t be too long, but he won’t make this game, no.”

The Frenchman has been sidelined for five of his side’s last seven contests, rehabbing an ongoing ankle injury. Pogba appeared to be on the mend as of late, even inviting fans into his workouts by posting videos to his personal Instagram. Per Solskjaer, United fans will have to wait a little bit longer for his triumphant return.

In slightly brighter news, striker Anthony Martial and defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka could play some minutes Sunday, handing United a major boost as they take on Jurgen Klopp’s men.

“But hopefully Aaron and Anthony will last the training this week and be available for selection,” Solskjaer said. “If it’s for half a game or 30 minutes I don’t know but let’s see where they’re at.”

Martial has been missing in action since August with a thigh injury while summer signing Wan-Bissaka hasn’t been in the lineup since suffering from tonsillitis last month, missing United’s draw against Arsenal.