Sadio Mane is fit to return to the starting lineup, as Liverpool get set to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool will be hoping to extend their club record winning run when they lock horns with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday. And, manager Jurgen Klopp has greeted a lot of positive news ahead of this weekend’s clash against the Blades.
The big update heading into the game is that first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker has stepped up his recovery from a calf injury and is inching closer to his return. While the game against Sheffield United will have come too soon for the Brazilian, the good news is that he is set to resume training this weekend, with the Liverpool boss confirming the same in his pre-match press conference.
“Ali is in a good way. He did yesterday [Thursday], not with us but with the goalie coaches, a full session, so [he’s] getting closer and closer. We will see, now we have to talk to the medical department. Ali is not in contention for tomorrow, it looks like maybe he can train with the team maybe from Sunday on. We don’t know 100 per cent, but he’s really close.”
Alisson’s continued absence mean Adrian will resume his duties in goal for Liverpool after being rested for the midweek Carabao Cup fixture at MK Dons. The defensive line in front of him will bear a familiar look, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson returning to the starting lineup.
Klopp is expected to ring in the changes in the rest of the side as well, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the only player likely to keep his place from Wednesday’s cup tie. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could be held back with the UEFA Champions League game against Red Bull Salzburg looming.
Accompanying Oxlade-Chamberlain in the middle of the park, should be the usual suspects Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum. Another piece of good news that Klopp conveyed in his presser is that Sadio Mane is fit to start, as is Divock Origi, who has shrugged off an ankle complaint. But, Xherdan Shaqiri will continue to remain sidelined due to a calf injury.
“Both trained yesterday. Sadio and Div, completely normal. No issues. Shaq is not ready yet, he is doing rehab,” Klopp said.
With Mane fit and available, Klopp should name his first-choice attacking trio, with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino also returning to the starting lineup, meaning Origi will be on the bench for Liverpool.
Predicted Liverpool Starting XI: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Wijnaldumm; Salah, Firmino, Mane
