Curtis Jones is in contention to start when Liverpool head to old rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
The Reds have enjoyed an undefeated start to the Premier League season despite a growing injury list.
Jones’ return will come as a welcome boost to manager Jurgen Klopp, who was angered when the youngster exacerbated a groin problem while away on international duty with the England Under-21s.
Thiago Alcantara has been ruled out of the United game due to a calf injury sustained against Crystal Palace last month, while Harvey Elliott will still be out for some time.
“Just what’s clear is that Curtis will train today with us, the full session, that’s the plan,” Klopp said on Friday. “He should be in contention. Thiago is not, he was not in training, but he is running, which is a good sign.”
Elliot posted a video on social media this week showing him undergoing recovery training following his ankle dislocation against Leeds in September but it is unknown when he will return.
How to watch Man Utd vs Liverpool
- Date: Sun 24 Oct
- Kick-off time: 4.30pm
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
United fans will aim to create a hostile welcome for Liverpool’s players, something Thiago would have been able to quell with his ability to hold possession and play the right pass.
The firepower that United possess up front was on show in their comeback win against Atalanta in midweek and is expected to be a threat again on Sunday so Klopp may call on Jones to fill in and add some control in front of the defence. The manager will want to improve his side’s defensive performance after the narrow 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the week. Naby Keita, who was hauled off at half-time in Spain, could make way.
Liverpool cannot get comfortable and concede “cheap goals”, as Klopp said during the post match press conference. The German understands that “the dirty three points are often the most important”.
“Atalanta caused United first-half problems but even then United had three clear-cut chances – one-on-one situations with the goalie – and the second half was a pure demonstration of United going for it and with the quality they have they can cause any team problems,” Klopp said.
“All the things in the second half were a pure power presentation of United. They went for it and with the quality they have they can cause any team problems, especially when you stop playing football, which Atalanta did a little bit.”
Alisson will return to Premier League action after being unavailable against Watford last time out due to international duty. The same goes for his Brazil teammate Fabinho who came on as a substitute at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday night and he is expected to start ahead of James Milner.
The Englishman has proved himself to be a great utility man filling in wherever needed in places such as full back and centre midfield but Fabinho is first choice when fit.
Virgil van Dijk is a staple in this Liverpool side, and is expected to be partnered by Joel Matip with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson starting at full-back.
Two of the front three pick themselves, but there remains a question mark between Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota. Jota’s ability cannot be denied but Firmino has been in fine form and his hat-trick against Watford means he is likely to get the nod.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk; Fabinho, Henderson, Keita; Mane, Firmino, Salah
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3niepYX
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