Marouane Fellaini is set to miss the Premier League showdown between Manchester United and Liverpool after picking up a knee injury playing for Belgium.
The in-form 29-year-old went off after 29 minutes of a World Cup qualifying win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday.
Belgium revealed on their official Twitter account on Sunday that Fellaini has had a scan and will be “out for a couple of weeks” with a sprain due to his left knee.
? @Fellaini is out for a couple of weeks & #BELCYP. Scan ? left knee injury (MCL sprain). Get well soon Marouane ! #RoadtoRussia pic.twitter.com/jozfljXOCl
— BelgianRedDevils (@BelRedDevils) October 8, 2017
They face Cyprus in their final World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, while United travel to Anfield next Saturday for the eagerly anticipated clash between the two Premier League giants.
The Old Trafford club then visit Benfica in the Champions League four days later before a trip to Huddersfield in the league on 21 October.
Fellaini has scored four goals for United this season, including two in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace in their last game before the international break.
OPINION
Fellaini has not always be fondly regarded by United fans during his four-and-a-bit years at the club but he will be sorely missed for their trip to Anfield. Fellaini has a fine track record at Anfield, where his physical style has caused problems for the Liverpool defence, and they will be delighted at his absence. With Paul Pogba out injured, Fellaini has got the nod over Ander Herrera to start alongside main man Nemanja Matic in United’s last three league games. He has delivered the goods and Mourinho has made it clear he has great faith in the giant midfielder. Liverpool will be glad they can plan for next Saturday without Fellaini.