Joe Gomez and Roberto Firmino are set to return but Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss out when Liverpool take on FC Porto on Tuesday.
Liverpool will aim to make it two wins in a row at the onset of their UEFA Champions League campaign when they face FC Porto at Estadio do Dragao in a Group B tie on Tuesday night. And Jurgen Klopp has been handed a major blow on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is not a part of the travelling squad because of a mysterious issue which has not been revealed by the Liverpool boss. The English international has joined Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott on the sidelines, and will play no part against Porto on Tuesday.
However, there is some good news, as Naby Keita has resumed training in the build-up to the midweek fixture and has made the trip to Portugal. In addition, Neco Williams has also regained fitness and could be an option for Klopp to consider on Tuesday.
During his pre-match press conference, Klopp hardly revealed anything apart from the volume of his travelling squad. The Liverpool boss said, “A big one, a big squad will travel. We have 23 players with us. Apart from the longer-term injuries, I think they are all in. So, no Thiago, no Harvey, the rest are available… no new concerns in the moment. Hopefully it stays like this.”
The key decision will centre around Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, with James Milner likely to pip Neco Williams to the spot. There is likely to be a second change in the defensive unit as well, considering Klopp has been looking to manage Joel Matip’s minutes.
Joe Gomez ought to come in as Virgil van Dijk’s partner at the heart of the Liverpool defence, with Andrew Robertson expected to keep hold of his spot on the left flank. In goal, there is no looking past Alisson Becker.
Up ahead in midfield, it is likely that Klopp will not indulge in any tinkering despite Keita’s return. So, Curtis Jones ought to start a third successive game in the middle of the park, with Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson being his partners in the three-man unit, leaving Keita as an option off the bench.
The final change in the starting lineup ought to come in the attacking unit, with Roberto Firmino in line to make his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury. The Brazilian international ought to reprise his usual False Nine role, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane being the two wide men, while Diogo Jota will be among the substitutes.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Milner, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane