Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has a few selection headaches in defence, heading into their game against Leicester City on Wednesday.
Premier League leaders Liverpool will lock horns with Claude Puel’s Leicester City at Anfield on Wednesday night, as they look to put further daylight between themselves and second-placed Manchester City at the top of the table.
Following Manchester City’s shock 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday, Liverpool have a great chance to stretch their lead at the top to seven points and they will be hoping to make the most of the opportunity to pull further away from the reigning champions in the title race.
Alisson Becker is set to start between the sticks for Liverpool against the Foxes, but there are a few concerns for manager Jurgen Klopp in defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are both injured, while James Milner, who filled in at right-back in the 4-3 win against Crystal Palace is suspended after being sent off in that game.
“Trent is getting closer and closer and it all looks very positive, but he will not be ready for tomorrow,” the German said in his pre-match press conference.
There were concerns over the availability of defensive mainstay Virgil van Dijk as well, but the Dutchman has recovered from his illness and trained with the team on the eve of the game. Fellow defender Dejan Lovren is also fit again, while the Reds have been boosted by the return of Fabinho, who came off with a hamstring problem against Palace.
“Virg was a little bit ill, but he trained yesterday and will train today, so we will see. Dejan [Lovren] is fine, Gini trained [and] Fabinho will train today,” Klopp confirmed in his press conference on Tuesday.
Fabinho is expected to deputize at right-back, ahead of academy product Rafael Camacho, who made his Premier League debut coming on from the bench against Palace. Andrew Robertson should feature at left-back for the Reds, with Joel Matip likely to pip Lovren to a starting berth alongside the fit-again van Dijk.
Georginio Wijnaldum is also back in contention, having recovered from a knee problem. The Dutchman is set to walk right back into the starting XI in the middle of the park, pairing up with club captain Jordan Henderson.
Naby Keita got a rare start against Crystal Palace last time out, but the Guinean failed to make much of an impression and is expected to drop back to the bench for the Leicester game. Xherdan Shaqiri, who did not start against the Eagles, will feature on the right flank, with Sadio Mane set to start on the left flank.
Roberto Firmino will once again slot in the No. 10 role for the Merseyside outfit, with Premier League’s leading goalscorer Mohamed Salah leading the line for Klopp’s team against the Foxes on Wednesday.
