Liverpool explain Dominik Szoboszlai absence from Man United Premier League clash

Liverpool have confirmed the reason for Dominik Szoboszlai's absence from their squad to face Manchester United in Sunday's Premier League clash.

The midfielder was expected to return to Arne Slot's ranks for the visit of the Red Devils after serving a suspension in the 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United on December 29.

Szoboszlai was only serving a one-game ban for an accumulation of yellow cards, meaning that he would have been eligible to make his comeback against Ruben Amorim's team at Anfield.

However, the Hungary international has succumbed to a bug, with Liverpool saying on their official website: "The midfielder is absent from the matchday squad today due to illness."

Szoboszlai represents one of two high-profile illness-related absentees from Sunday's main event, as Man United attacker Marcus Rashford is also missing after contracting a virus.

Szoboszlai's absence means that Curtis Jones holds his place in the Liverpool XI, which also features centre-back Ibrahima Konate, who makes his first start since suffering a knee injury in November.

Liverpool will move eight points clear of closest rivals Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a victory in Sunday's game, which was initially in danger of being called off due to adverse weather conditions.