Jurgen Klopp will be without two first-team players when Liverpool take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday.
Liverpool will be aiming to build on their spectacular start to the season, when they travel to Selhurst Park to face off against Crystal Palace on Monday. And, Jurgen Klopp could likely be handed a boost ahead of the fixture, with the manager hoping to have Joel Matip in his matchday squad.
The Liverpool boss has been stretched thin for resources in central defence, with Dejan Lovren out with a pelvis injury and Ragnar Klavan sold to Cagliari last week. Matip’s absence due to a thigh injury has meant that Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk have been the only two recognised centre-backs at Klopp’s disposal.
The manager though, was full of praise for the Gomes-van Dijk partnership during his pre-match press conference. But, Klopp also added that Matip returned to training last week and could be a part of the matchday squad, although Gomez and van Dijk should continue at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
“He is a very good football player and played the position good. Together with Virgil, they have a very good understanding – on a personal level as well and that’s really cool. Joel is close to being back. Hopefully he is able to be in the squad on Monday, so then we will have him.”
Joining Gomez and van Dijk in the Liverpool backline, should be the impressive young duo of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson. Behind them, Alisson will have a much tougher test against Crystal Palace than he did last week.
“He adapts constantly and brings himself to the next level. He adapts to the other players, uses them really well.” ??
Jürgen Klopp on @NabyDeco‘s potential: https://t.co/7RdPV8GKLw pic.twitter.com/fXHIR0zP1b
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 19, 2018
In midfield, Fabinho is in contention to make his competitive debut for the Reds. But, Klopp could choose to stick with the winning combination for now, meaning the Brazilian and Jordan Henderson will remain on the bench, with Naby Keita, Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner completing the midfield three.
Upfront, the successful trifecta of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane should complete the starting lineup once again. While the trio will aim to continue their fluid, free scoring ways, the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Xherdan Shaqiri will be handy options on the bench for the Liverpool manager.
