Paul Pogba Ruled out of Manchester United vs. Liverpool Because of Injury

Paul Pogba missed Manchester United's showdown in the Premier League against Liverpool on Saturday because of an unspecified injury.

Reports surfaced on Friday that the Frenchman had picked up a knock in training, and the Red Devils' teamsheet ahead of the match confirmed he wouldn't be involved:

According to Rob Dawson of ESPN FC, Pogba was assessed on Saturday morning and was deemed not fit enough to play:

Per James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, manager Jose Mourinho said he did not know how long the midfielder would be out for.

Dawson reported on Friday that the midfielder pulled up in training earlier that day and was unable to finish the session.

While matches between United and Liverpool are still considered the biggest in the English game by plenty, the decision not to risk Pogba was smart from Mourinho. 

United will be keen to finish in second in the Premier League this season ahead of their Merseyside rivals, but they are involved in two other competitions they still have a chance of winning.

In the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, the Red Devils face Sevilla in the second leg of their last-16 tie. The first leg ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Additionally, United face Brighton & Hove Albion in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup the following Saturday.

Pogba has been inconsistent of late, and as reports of his omission started to spread, the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle couldn't resist a joke: 

The France international has played in two-man and three-man midfields in recent weeks, although he's been unable to stamp his authority on games in his trademark style. Pogba has made bad decisions in possession, has not been switched on defensively and has slowed down United's attacking play. 

Still, the ability he possesses can decide contests, something United's forthcoming clashes promise to be. United were also without forward Anthony Martial for the contest.