Liverpool are likely to be without the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Georginio Wijnaldum, when they take on Crystal Palace this weekend.
Liverpool will be looking to strengthen their hold at the top of the Premier League table, when they clash against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have a four-point lead over second-placed Manchester City and they will be aiming to put further distance between themselves and the reigning champions with a victory against the Eagles.
Liverpool have a number of injuries to contend with in defence heading into the game, however, with Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren ruled out, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to miss out as well.
“Joe, no – improving, improving, improving. We all hope it will be quick from now on but don’t know exactly. It’s slightly different for Dejan; he is much better than he was but that’s a muscle thing and needs time,” Klopp said in his pre-match press conference.
“The whole world saw what happened to Trent – what a boy, unbelievable. We played the game and afterwards we got the information that he had [an injury]. It will be really, really close for tomorrow. I don’t want to close any doors before anybody tells me I have to,” the German added.
There are likely to be a couple of changes in the backline in front of goalkeeper Alisson, with James Milner set to start as the right-back in place of Alexander-Arnold, while Joel Matip, who is fit again, poised to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Liverpool defence. Andrew Robertson, fresh from signing a new contract, will hold on to his place on the left side.
Georginio Wijnaldum is another who played with an injury in the 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend and is likely to miss out on Saturday. However, Liverpool have been boosted by the return of England international Adam Lallana, who has struggled with injuries this term.
“Adam trained yesterday and the day before yesterday, so he should be in contention,” Klopp said.
However, Lallana is unlikely to be rushed back into action. Fabinho, who played as a centre-half last time out, is set to return to his natural habitat in the middle of the park and is likely to be paired up with captain Jordan Henderson.
Klopp is unlikely to make any changes to the attack against Palace, with Xherdan Shaqiri and Sadio Mane expected to hold onto their spots on the right and left flanks respectively, while Roberto Firmino continues to operate in the No. 10 role.
Leading goalscorer Mohamed Salah will start as the lone striker as he looks to pull away from Harry Kane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the race for the Golden Boot.
