Manchester United have been handed a big boost ahead of their clash with arch rivals Liverpool on Sunday, with Belgium manager Roberto Martinez confirming that the fitness of forward Romelu Lukaku is adequate enough for him to play for the Red Devils this weekend.

Lukaku had big question marks over his fitness going into the game against Liverpool, something that would have been disastrous for Jose Mourinho with the hitman being one of the world’s most in-form strikers at the moment. The 24-year-old had concerns over an ankle injury, and many would have preferred him to be rested for international duty in order for him to be fresh for Liverpool.

The former Everton boss insisted that the No.9 is fit and health, denying that he has spoken to United boss Mourinho who is concerned about his forward.

“Romelu Lukaku is fit,” said Martinez. “We are in touch with Man United’s medical team. I haven’t received a phone call from Jose Mourinho as yet.”

The news wasn’t so good however for in-form Marouane Fellaini, who has been outstanding so far this season. The midfielder suffered ligament damage whilst on international duty with Belgium, and Martinez believes the big man could be out for a couple of weeks.

“It was a very unfortunate injury for Marouane Fellaini,” Martinez said.

“I don’t think the state of the pitch played any part and it was just a collision between two strong players who wanted to win the ball, and unfortunately Marouane ended up with damage in his ligament.”

“But there was nothing wrong in that respect so the relationship is very, very good with Manchester United as you would expect.”
[Quotes via Metro]