Why Victor Lindelof missed Liverpool vs Man Utd and will he be fit to face Real Betis?

Victor Lindelof missed Manchester United’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield due to a minor knock, but the problem is not expected to be a long-term issue.

The Swedish centre-back, who started in the midweek FA Cup win over West Ham United, was a notable absentee for Sunday’s clash at Anfield, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia the only defenders on the bench, while Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw made up the back four.

Lindelof was close to being included in the matchday squad and should be back in contention for Thursday’s Europa League clash with Real Betis at Old Trafford.

Speaking ahead of the game to MUTV, Erik ten Hag was asked about Lindelof’s situation and said: “So, after every game, you have some knocks. It was too short a time to recover for him. A pity for us but, okay, we have to deal with it."

It’s been a difficult season for Lindelof who has dropped behind Varane and Martinez in the pecking order at Old Trafford. The 28-year-old has played just 20 times in all competitions, and has only started five league matches this season for United.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag was also asked why he opted to start Dalot above Wan-Bissaka. "It’s every time [a matter of making this decision]," he told MUTV. "But I think Diogo is doing a good job, against Newcastle, against West Ham in the week and previously. But it’s very close because Aaron is playing very well."