Wijnaldum remains a doubt for Manchester United clash after latest injury update

Georginio Wijnaldum remains a doubt for Liverpool's clash against Manchester United on Monday (17 October) after picking up a hip injury while on international duty. The Netherlands international's absence will be a major blow as Jurgen Klopp could also be without Adam Lallana, who is struggling from a groin injury that he suffered during the Reds' 2-1 win over Swansea City prior to the international break.

The former Newcastle United midfielder limped off during the Dutch side's 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to France and it was suspected initially that he had suffered a hamstring injury, which was likely to see him miss the game against the Red Devils. According to the Liverpool Echo, the scans have now revealed that it was a hip injury that forced off Wijnaldum during the game and one of the reasons Klopp is not willing to write him off from recovering ahead of the game on Monday.

The 25-year-old midfielder returned to Liverpool's Melwood training base immediately after the game and has been undergoing intense treatment in the hope of playing a part in one of the most highly anticipated games of the season between the arch rivals. Wijnaldum, who joined from Newcastle in the summer, has formed a string partnership in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Lallana starting all seven games in the Premier League thus far.

The latter is also a major doubt owing to a groin injury he picked up during the Merseyside club's last gasp win over Swansea. He missed England's World Cup qualifying matches against Malta and Slovenia and is unlikely to be fit for the clash against United.

The midfield duo have played a major part in helping Liverpool string together a run of five consecutive wins in all competitions and Klopp will be keen to continue that run when Jose Mourinho's team visit Anfield on Monday.

Wijnaldum and Lallana's absence will give Klopp a selection headache, as he does not have direct replacements for the duo. Emre Can or Lucas Leiva will be considered as alternatives for the former, while Daniel Sturridge could come in place of the latter.