Thursday’s briefing: Ruben Amorim contemplates replacing Bruno Fernandes

Ruben Amorim is trying to fill the void left in Manchester United’s midfield by the injured Bruno Fernandes.

Arne Slot admits he is frustrated by Liverpool’s woeful set-piece record.

Amorim’s Bruno challenge to United stars

Amorim admitted it is impossible to replace crocked captain Fernandes – but has called on other players to step up in his absence.

The Portugal international is set for a spell on the sidelines with a soft tissue injury sustained in the defeat to Aston Villa and while Amorim does not expect the midfielder to be out for long, he knows others need to fill the void.

Fernandes has started every Premier League match this season, while United have lost six and drawn one of the last seven matches he has not begun.

“It is impossible to replace Bruno but I said that this morning to the team,” said Amorim ahead of the Boxing Day visit of Newcastle.

“We need to take the good thing – if there is a good thing on that – that a lot of people need to step up and understand we cannot rely on one player for everything.”

Slot rues Reds set-piece record

Liverpool head coach Slot believes it should be impossible to be a top-four team with their poor record at set-pieces.

The Reds head into Christmas behind fourth-placed Chelsea only on goal difference as their effectiveness from open play has compensated for the issues they are having at free-kicks, corners and throw-ins.

Liverpool have scored just three set-piece goals while conceding 11 in the league this season and it is a point of frustration for Slot.

“I know the importance of it, it gets more and more, and that’s why we are so annoyed by our current record,” he said.

“It’s a big frustration we are where we are this season because when we were halfway through last season we had not conceded one set-piece.

“It’s impossible to be top-four, top-five with our set-piece balance, let alone winning the league.”

Romero hit with FA charge

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has been charged by the Football Association following his red card against Liverpool.

The Argentina defender reacted angrily after receiving a second yellow card from ref John Brooks for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate during Spurs’ 2-1 defeat on Saturday.

The FA said: “It’s alleged that he acted in an improper manner by failing to promptly leave the field of play and/or behaving in a confrontational and/or aggressive manner towards the match referee after being sent off in the 93rd minute.”

Romero has until Friday January 2 to respond.

Kepa ready to give Chelsea the Blues

Kepa Arrizabalaga said he will be ready to send former club Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup as Arsenal bid to remain on course for their first trophy since 2020.

The Gunners are through to the semi-finals of the competition after Kepa saved Maxence Lacroix’s spot-kick in a dramatic 8-7 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at the Emirates.

Kepa spent seven years with the Blues before moving to north London in the summer, and he could now deny his old employers a spot in the first major final of the season.

And Kepa, who has made all three of his Arsenal appearances so far in the Carabao Cup, said: “Right now, if you want a trophy, and that’s something that we want, we have to fight against good teams.

“Both semi-finals are big games, and it’s going to be tough, but we’ll prepare well for the game, and we’ll be ready and we’ll go for it.”