Jurgen Klopp could be without as many as nine first-team players for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.
The Red have endured a difficult start to the campaign and currently trail last season’s champions by 13 points, and leaders Arsenal by 14, albeit they have played one more game. This slow start by Liverpool is partly due to a spate of injuries among the first-team squad.
Indeed, four senior players haven’t played a single minute in the league this season due to respective injuries. But Liverpool have also suffered several further problems in the last few weeks which could impact Klopp’s selection for Sunday’s game.
Despite that, they’re still expected to line up with a strong team that should feature the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Thiago, Mohamed Salah and the in-form Roberto Firmino. And although the Reds have made a slow start to the campaign, Pep Guardiola said in Friday’s press conference that he expects the Merseyside club to be City’s closest title challengers this season.
But Liverpool’s chances of grabbing three points on Sunday could be even slimmer if certain players miss out through injury. There might also be a defensive crisis which may result in Liverpool starting with Joe Gomez at right-back and Nat Philips in the heart of defence.
Here are all nine players who are doubtful for the Reds ahead of Sunday’s game…
1. Joel Matip
Missing with a calf issue and won’t be available for the Red this weekend.
2. Ibrahima Konate
Played in midweek but wasn’t spotted in training on Friday ahead of the clash with City. Expected to be fit to play.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Has an ankle issue which will prevent him from playing against Guardiola’s men on Sunday.
4. Calvin Ramsay
Has recovered from an injury he picked up in the summer but is yet to play for Liverpool. He was seen in training on Friday and is unlikely to be involved against City.