Takumi Minamino should start in place of Diogo Jota, while Jordan Henderson and Andrew Robertson might not be risked when Liverpool face FC Porto.
Liverpool will be aiming to extend their winning run in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League when they play hosts to FC Porto at Anfield in their penultimate group game on Wednesday night.
Leading up to the game, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has no fresh injury concerns. Diogo Jota had picked up a knock in the weekend game but is expected to be available for the game. James Milner and Divock Origi have also returned to training, providing the German tactician with a boost. However, the Reds continue to be without Roberto Firmino, Joe Gomez, Naby Keita, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones.
Liverpool vs FC Porto Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Speaking in his pre-match presser, Klopp talked about squad rotation to keep his players in good shape while also hinting that he might not be willing to risk Jordan Henderson and Andrew Robertson for this game as the pair are not 100% fit. “We always respect the competition but we have to think about ourselves, our schedule and the situation of our players first,” he said.
“Hendo, we will see. Yesterday, I would say maybe he was not at 100 per cent. So he can play, he can do pretty much everything but it’s about really being at 100 per cent fit. Robbo, similar. Both are OK, but are both now ready to play, ready to start with the schedule, with games coming up? We have to make these decisions,” Klopp further added.
With Robertson unlikely to be rushed back, Kostas Tsimikas is expected to hold on to his spot at left-back on Wednesday while Trent Alexander-Arnold should start again at right-back, ahead of Neco Williams. However, Ibrahima Konate and Nathaniel Phillips could be in line for rare starts at the heart of the Liverpool defence, shielding Alisson Becker in goal.
The midfield department has been affected the most by injuries. With Klopp seemingly not inclined to risk starting Henderson, the trio of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, and Thiago Alcantara could feature from the kickoff yet again. Although, youngster Tyler Morton is an option that the manager could consider if he decides to switch things up.
With Jota suffering a knock at the weekend, it would not make sense for Liverpool to risk him against Porto, especially with qualification for the knockouts already in the bag. This should open up an opportunity for Takumi Minamino to get a rare start after the Japanese star scored in his cameo against Arsenal at the weekend. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane should complete the Reds’ frontline.
Liverpool Predicted XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Phillips, Tsimikas, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Thiago, Salah, Minamino, Mane.
