Jordan Henderson and Andrew Robertson are doubts, but Sadio Mane and Fabinho should start for Liverpool when they take on Arsenal at Anfield.
Liverpool will be itching to get back to winning ways when they welcome top-four rivals Arsenal to Anfield on Matchday 12 of the 2021/22 Premier League this weekend.
Having seen their unbeaten run in the league come to an end before the international break, Jurgen Klopp & co. will be intent on bouncing back strongly. But they will have to do so without a host of first-team players as Joe Gomez, Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones, Roberto Firmino, and Harvey Elliott are out with injuries.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
In addition to that, Klopp revealed in his pre-match presser that both Jordan Henderson and Andrew Robertson were doubts for the contest due to minor issues of their own. “Hendo and Robbo didn’t train with the team yet, they did their recovery stuff, rehab stuff and didn’t train with the team yet. It will be a late, late, late, late decision about that,” the German tactician said.
However, there is some good news for Liverpool as Sadio Mane is fit enough to feature despite picking up a rib injury on international duty with Senegal, while Fabinho, too, is in good enough shape to take part. “Sadio is good and Fab only came back late and he did recovery and so I hope he can train today, that’s the plan,” Klopp added.
Liverpool will set out in their usual 4-3-3 formation with Alisson Becker taking his customary position in goal. He will be shielded by the backline comprising Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk as the two centre-backs. Trent Alexander-Arnold is a certainty at right-back, while Kostas Tsimikas should slot in at left-back in place of Robertson.
Moving into the midfield department, with Milner, Jones and Keita unavailable, and Henderson’s involvement a major doubt, the trio of Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Thiago Alcantara picks itself for the contest against Arsenal.
In the attacking third, Mohamed Salah, who is in red-hot form this season, is a guaranteed starter on the right-wing, while Mane should occupy his usual spot on the left flank, having recovered from the rib issue. With Firmino ruled out, Diogo Jota becomes the automatic pick to slot in as the centre-forward for Liverpool against Arsenal. Divock Origi will provide cover from the bench.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Tsimikas, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Thiago, Salah, Jota, Mane
