Liverpool will be without the services of Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson as they take on Arsenal at Anfield on Monday Night.
Liverpool are going through a mild injury crisis in defence but so far, have endured through things for a perfect start in the 2020-21 Premier League. The Reds will be put to test once again early on as they face Arsenal, especially with Jurgen Klopp more or less confirming the absence of Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson.
In goal, there is no looking past Alisson while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson are automatic choices. So is Virgil van Dijk but we might see an unconventional partner for the Dutchman against Arsenal, with Joel Matip yet to regain full fitness.
Fabinho could start alongside van Dijk in defence, which would open up room in midfield. However, Jurgen Klopp iterated in his pre-match conference that Jordan Henderson is also unlikely to feature on Monday Night.
“Joel not, pretty much. Hendo not yet, that was clear – this game is for sure too early. I think that’s it, pretty much.”
On your marks, get set… ???? pic.twitter.com/l0KmSLpjhz
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 25, 2020
This means we could see Klopp throw Joe Gomez back into the mix only days after returning to training, with Fabinho having to perform his duties in midfield. Georginio Wijnaldum should start in midfield alongside Fabinho. But, there might be a case for Thiago starting in Naby Keita’s place.
Jurgen Klopp addressed the Thiago conundrum in his pre-match conference while offering little on whether he is set to start the former Barcelona midfielder against Arsenal.
“We will see, we will see. We have a few days to train, some boys have to recover from last night, so we will see how we set up against Arsenal. I have an idea, but why should I make the decision today when we have time until Monday? But he is in contention, for sure. Yeah, let’s see.”
Up ahead in attack, the three musketeers – Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane – should reprise their respective roles, with Diogo Jota an option from the bench.
Predicted Liverpool Starting XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Thiago, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane
