Confirmed: Why Bruno Fernandes and fellow Amorim favourite are absent from training before Liverpool clash

Ruben Amorim led Manchester United’s training session today without two of his most trusted midfielders, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, who were both absent from the group.

The Red Devils are stepping up preparations for their Premier League showdown against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday — a crucial fixture as they look to build momentum after a mixed run of form.

Liverpool head into the clash struggling for form, having lost three consecutive matches across all competitions. United, on the other hand, went into the international break on a positive note following a 2-0 victory over Sunderland, which helped them recover from the disastrous defeat at Brentford the week before.

According to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, young academy players Shea Lacey, Jim Thwaites, and Jack Fletcher were called up to train with the first team on Thursday. Their inclusion was partly due to the absence of Fernandes and Casemiro, who were both given additional rest days after returning from international duty.

Casemiro featured heavily for Brazil, playing the full 90 minutes in their 3-2 loss to Japan on Tuesday and again in their 5-0 win over South Korea last Friday. Fernandes, meanwhile, was equally busy for Portugal, completing 86 minutes against the Republic of Ireland last Saturday and just over an hour in the 2-2 draw with Hungary.

Despite missing today’s session, both players are expected to return in time for the weekend, with Fernandes — the club captain — almost certain to start at Anfield.

So far this season, Casemiro has started five Premier League games. He was used as a late substitute in the Manchester derby and missed the Brentford fixture entirely due to suspension after receiving a red card in the victory over Chelsea.

The 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder is entering the final eight months of his current contract at Old Trafford. However, reports suggest that the club’s new leadership under INEOS would consider extending his deal if he agrees to a reduced salary, given his current high wages…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>