Manchester United: Roy Hodgson offers hope for injured Michael Carrick featuring against Liverpool

Roy Hodgson has given Manchester United fans encouraging news ahead of the crucial clash with Liverpool on 12 September, revealing that the decision to withdraw Michael Carrick from the England squad was just a precaution. The Three Lions boss said the veteran midfielder suffered a problem in his calf during the warm-up in San Marino, but added it is "not serious".

Carrick was expected to take part in the game against Switzerland tomorrow (8 September) after being an unused substitute in the 6-0 victory over San Marino, which saw England secure qualification for Euro 2016. But the FA announced that the 34-year-old midfielder had turned to his club due to an injury – putting his availability for the visit of Brendan Rodgers' boys in significant jeopardy.

Hodgson has failed to clarify if he believes Carrick will be available for Louis van Gaal's selection, but confirmed that the knock was not a serious one.

"He has a calf injury. We don't believe it is that serious. It was odd because it came out of nowhere, at the start of the warm-up in San Marino. He felt something and as a precaution we've not pushed him," he said, as quoted by Sky Sports ahead of the game against Switzerland. "He has had a preliminary scan and the doctors felt there is something there and it is up to Manchester United to look at it more closely."

Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is expected fill his gap in the England line-up against Switzerland after impressing against San Marino. Meanwhile, should the United midfielder not be ready for the game against Liverpool, Van Gaal may deploy Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin in the middle of the park after the duo started in the games against Newcastle and Swansea.