Liverpool sweating on Georginio Wijnaldum fitness ahead of Manchester United showdown

Georginio Wijnaldum could be a doubt for Liverpool's Premier League clash with Manchester United after picking up a "slight" hamstring injury while on international duty.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has swiftly become integral to Jurgen Klopp's midfield, starting each of his side's seven Premier League games this season. Liverpool sit three points clear of their arch-rivals United, but will have to rethink their plans if Wijnaldum is not available.

Wijnaldum was replaced by Bas Dost after 62 minutes on Monday night in his country's key World Cup qualifier against France – a game his side lost thanks to a Paul Pogba winner. Speaking after the match, Netherlands head coach Danny Blind revealed the Liverpool midfielder told him at half-time he was struggling, but waited another 17 minutes before replacing him.

"Gini had some slight hamstring problems," Blind told reporters. "He told me during half-time that he needed to be subbed in the second half."

Liverpool welcome Jose Mourinho's side to Anfield having won their last five games in all competitions, but went into the international break with a handful of injury concerns. The Liverpool Echo reports Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne are expected to recover from minor knocks suffered in the win over Swansea City on Saturay 1 October, but concerns remain over the fitness of Adam Lallana. The England international is yet to return to training after picking up a groin injury in the victory in south Wales.

United have their own fitness concerns. The club asked permission for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to miss international duty with Armenia to instead continue his rehabilitation for a thigh injury in Manchester. Luke Shaw was also given a rest during the international break, as was Marouane Fellaini, who missed Belgium's World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar through suspension.
Phil Jones remains sidelined with a knee problem.