Jurgen Klopp is sweating over the fitness of Andrew Robertson ahead of Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League opener against Napoli on Tuesday.
Liverpool will be aiming to begin the defence of their UEFA Champions League title on a positive note when they lock horns with Napoli at San Paolo on Tuesday night. But, Jurgen Klopp has one fresh injury concern to deal with ahead of the midweek fixture.
Andrew Robertson did not take part in first-team training on Monday and is at risk of missing out against Napoli. Klopp did provide an update on the Scottish international during his pre-match press conference, iterating that while Robertson’s issue is not a major one he is unsure if he will start on Tuesday.
“Robbo didn’t train today and we have to see. It is not a major thing, it was more precautionary today, but it is not 100 per cent sure [he will be available]. We will have to test it tomorrow and then we will see.”
With the fixtures piling up for Liverpool, it is likely that Klopp will not risk Robertson despite the threat that Napoli possess. And, in Robertson’s stead, James Milner could deputise on the left side of the Liverpool defence. There should be one more change to the Liverpool backline, meanwhile.
The aforementioned fixture congestion means Klopp will rotate his side in the coming month to keep his troops fresh. As a result, Joe Gomez might come into the side to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Liverpool defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold should keep his place as the right-back while Adrian will continue goal against Napoli in the absence of the injured Alisson.
Up ahead in midfield, Jordan Henderson is expected to return, having not featured at all against Newcastle United. Henderson should replace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with Klopp continuing to manage his minutes. Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum though, will likely retain their slots in the middle of the park.
The attacking unit, meanwhile, picks itself, especially with Divock Origi picking up an ankle injury this past weekend. Klopp provided an update on the Belgian, who ought to be replaced by Roberto Firmino.
The Liverpool boss said, “The update on Div is that it is not too serious. We expect him [to be out for] between one and two weeks, but it depends a little bit on when he can deal with the pain. It is nothing really; it’s a feeling, but it should be fine.”
As iterated, Firmino should replace Origi in the starting lineup. Firmino will reprise the false nine role, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane being the two wide men for Liverpool.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Milner; Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
