Manchester United have been handed a new double injury blow in their preparations ahead of their match against Brighton on Saturday evening.
Ruben Amorim’s side are currently on their hottest streak since he took over, winning consecutive Premier League games for the first time.
A comfortable home victory against Sunderland was backed up by an impressive but resilient performance against bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield.
On paper, it seemed an impossible challenge; though form was not on their side, Liverpool were supreme last season and backed with an astonishing £449million in the summer - a home defeat seemed unlikely.
But Amorim’s men performed admirably, displaying defensive solidity with a ruthless streak in attack.
It took the Red Devils less than two minutes to flex their new attacking muscle with £70m signing Bryan Mbeumo finishing a sweeping move for the visitors.
Manchester United have been handed a new double injury blow in their preparations as they host Brighton on Saturday evening
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A late Harry Maguire header meant United strolled back on the M62 with all three points, leaving Amorim with a glimmer of hope their season has potential to flourish.
One thing he would be looking for after their first victory at Anfield in almost a decade is consistency, and certainly not injuries - his wish has not been granted.
Manchester United recorded an unlikely victory against Liverpool last weekend
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In his pre-match press conference ahead of Brighton this weekend, Amorim confirmed both Maguire and Mason Mount, who started against Liverpool, suffered knocks in training. They are now doubts for Saturday’s fixture.
“The squad is fine. We have some doubts, we had some issues during the week. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount knocks. Nothing serious. We will see tomorrow,” the 40-year-old said prior to the game.
Mason Mount is a doubt for Saturday's game
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“[Lisandro Martinez] is out. The rest is ready for the game. I think it is going to be a difficult game. Brighton are a team who are fun to watch, really good on build-up.
"They are really strong on transitions, and they are doing well on set-pieces this season. So I think they are a team that is really complete.
“We need to be really smart. To face that game with a real focus on everything that we do.”
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Mount has played in seven of United’s eight Premier League games so far - he only featured in 30 during the entirety of the last two seasons combined - and has been impressive.
The former Chelsea star has a wretched injury record, particularly at Old Trafford, so Amorim will be wary not to risk further injury, with the 26-year-old starting to find his groove for the first time in a United shirt.
Lisandro Martinez has been injured since he ruptured his ACL on February 2
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The Portuguese also gave a more detailed update on Lisandro Martinez. The Argentinian hasn’t featured for the club since a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace on February 2.
“He trained really well, not with us,” Amorim added. “He was on the next pitch, and I was watching. He is training well, the knee has responded really well.
“I don't want to say a specific day, or one week. I don’t know but he is near to start training with the team. It depends on the rhythm of Licha [Martinez] if he wins the place or not. He is closer."
Brighton now stand in the way of an unprecedented third Premier League victory under Amorim - although the Red Devils have won just one of their last nine meetings.
The former Sporting Lisbon boss has finally started to see his side tick, so he will hope that injuries don’t derail what has already been a bumpy journey so far.