Manchester United's defensive stalwart resumes training, hopeful for Liverpool clash! Lima is about to join team training, but his comeback remains undecided.

Manchester United will travel to Anfield to play Liverpool following the international break, and manager Rúben Amorim has some positive news: right-back Mazraoui has started training again. The 27-year-old Moroccan defender has suffered two injuries this season. Due to an injury in the initial warm-up against Leeds, he missed both preseason and the start of the campaign. He returned as a substitute in the Premier League match against Burnley but recently suffered a thigh injury, causing him to miss two consecutive games.

Mazraoui was not included in Morocco’s squad for the matches against Bahrain and Congo, but training photos revealed he was still training with the team before their first game in Rabat. Afterwards, Mazraoui watched the match alongside former Manchester United midfielder Amrabat and Fenerbahçe forward Youssef En-Nesyri.

Manchester United previously announced that Mazraoui would only return after the October international break, and it now appears he is on track to make that comeback as planned.

Therefore, Mazraoui has a chance to feature in the October 19th Premier League "Red Devils derby." As the away team, Manchester United will likely focus on defense, making it unlikely for winger Amad Diallo to play at right-back. Mazraoui’s return will provide Amorim with more options.

In the Sunderland match, Amorim deployed Amad as the right wing-back, while Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot replaced Patrick Doku on the left side. If Mazraoui is available, he is very likely to start as the right wing-back, with the left side still contested between Dalot and Doku.

Before the international break, Manchester United’s squad was relatively healthy. Aside from Mazraoui, the only absentee was Lisandro Martínez. The 27-year-old Argentine defender is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in February. The club hopes he can return to action before the end of the year.

According to the British Daily Mail, Lima will rejoin Manchester United's first-team training after the international break.

The "Argentine Butcher" resumed light training in July and returned to grass training in September, but it took him three full months to take the next step. Therefore, British media predict that Lima’s full return to the pitch will require more time, possibly until after the November international break.

Reports indicate that Lima’s training intensity has been steadily increasing. He has recently been actively involved in ball work, and last week’s MRI scan showed positive results. Consequently, the club is considering reintegrating him into regular training. Once his teammates complete their international duties, Lima will join them.

However, Lima playing against Liverpool is highly unlikely. He will aim to return as soon as possible, but given his history of recurring injuries since joining, Manchester United will proceed cautiously. Unless the medical staff confirms he is fully ready, they will avoid rushing him back into action.

Since joining Manchester United, Lima has almost always started whenever physically fit. Unfortunately, he has missed too many games due to injuries. After his £57 million transfer, his first season saw him make the most appearances with 27 Premier League matches, dropping to only 11 in the second season, and 20 appearances last season.

Amorim hopes to have a fully fit Lima, as he lacks a left-footed, possession-oriented left center-back. This season, De Ligt, Lenny Jaro, Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Edon Havin have all played in central defense, but none can fully replace Lima’s role.