Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's injury news is never black and white.
So Manchester United fans - and Liverpool fans for that matter - were kept guessing after the Norwegian's most recent press conference, in which the first question was inevitably about
It didn't look good for Rashford when, after being introduced as a substitute against Wolves in the midweek FA Cup replay, he hobbled off holding his back.
"I can't tell you now," when asked about the striker.. "As I said with Harry [Maguire] a few weeks ago, of course we're going to give him the absolute amount of time to find out. We'll do some more checks and treatment with him today, yesterday, of course, was just a recovery day and some treatment for him. I've not see him this morning.
"I'm not going to hold my breath. I would probably think he wouldn't be ready but let's see. it's 48 hours [away], more than that, so let's see."
So what are United's options without Rashford? Here are three possibilities:
OPTION ONE - Like for like
United do, of course, have three fit forwards in Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Daniel James who could interchange as a front three against Liverpool, as the strikers would if Rashford was included.
Solskjaer could field a midfield three behind them, with either Martial or Greenwood through the middle and James or Martial operating from Rashford's favoured left flank.
This would probably be the most bold and attacking option to pick against an in-form Liverpool at Anfield.
OPTION TWO - Five-man defence
Switching to three centre-backs and a wing-back system worked well for United against Liverpool in October - and in many big games this season, in fact. It was also effective when United beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup.
Martial and James would most likely be the front two as both have the pace to trouble Liverpool on the counter-attack.
The only issue would be who plays as the third centre-back. Bringing Eric Bailly back from a long-term injury for this game would be going from the frying pan to the fire, while Phil Jones' confidence looked shot against City at Old Trafford. Axel Tuanzebe is injured.
OPTION THREE - Diamond
Solskjaer operated with split strikers and a diamond formation towards the back end of last season, though not with too much effect.
You could rightly argue that United don't have the midfielders to play this system, though it would be tempting to include Juan Mata in the side - based on recent form and his previous exploits at Anfield.
Martial could be paired with either Greenwood or James up front, with a packed midfield behind them.
