Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp faces a selection dilemma as his side return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Reds were given a tiring workout against AC Milan in the week, while Harvey Elliott joins Roberto Firmino on the list of high-profile absentees after suffering a dislocated ankle last weekend. Express Sport looks at how the German is likely to set his side up:
Goalkeeper: Alisson
Liverpool’s goalkeeper was glad to return to Premier League action last weekend after FIFA overturned a five-day ban on Brazilian players who did not report for international duty.
Despite Elliott’s horror injury, Alisson held down the fort against an attacking Leeds United side to keep another clean sheet.
He has managed the same feat in three of the Reds’ four Premier League games so far this campaign, and stands a decent chance of making it one more against Palace.
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Midfield: Henderson, Fabinho, Keita
Teenager Harvey Elliott would likely have continued his breakthrough season against Palace, although Pascal Struijk’s trailing knee consigned him to the side-lines.
Leeds United’s Dutchman has received a three-match ban for his role in the injury, although Klopp’s young protege will likely be out for considerably longer.
The Liverpool manager’s main headache thus boils down to who will take his place.
Thiago Alcantara is certainly a candidate, but against a Palace side who have scored goals and played with intensity in recent weeks, the more defensive-minded Naby Keita could get the nod instead.
Attack: Salah, Jota, Mane
In a boost for the Reds, the Athletic recently confirmed that Roberto Firmino has returned to light training.
However, with a deputy of Diogo Jota’s calibre in solid form, Klopp need not risk the Brazilian until he has returned to full fitness.
Sadio Mane has notched two goals so far from the left wing, while Mohamed Salah has made an electrifying start to the campaign with three goals and two assists.
The Egyptian must keep that momentum going if he is to challenge the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku for this year’s Golden Boot.