Liverpool could have not less than 5 gamers out for his or her journey to Newcastle within the Premier League, with Arne Slot lacking virtually half of his defensive ranks.
The Reds are within the northwest for his or her 14th recreation of the league marketing campaign, with the prospect to go as a lot as 12 factors clear if different outcomes go their method.
Slot and his gamers face an ongoing problem, nonetheless, because of the absence of key gamers and helpful squad choices alike.
Right here is who will likely be dominated out vs. Newcastle and who could possibly be accessible once more:
Slot’s most eye-catching replace throughout his pre-match press convention was that Alisson wouldn’t be in rivalry at St James’ Park with no rush over his return.
“We’re simply ready for the second that Alisson is totally match, as a result of Caoimh is doing too properly to place Alisson in objective if he’s solely at 50 p.c,” the pinnacle coach defined.
The idea is that, without having to drop Caoimhin Kelleher, Alisson must be given on a regular basis he wants to make sure he’s totally match and avoids reinjury.
Liverpool have been equally cautious with Federico Chiesa, however Slot revealed on Tuesday that the Italian must be accessible once more after over two months out.
That would relieve the stress on the ahead line, with Diogo Jota nonetheless not accessible, as might the return of Jayden Danns who featured for the primary time this season for the Liverpool U21s on Saturday.
The Reds’ greatest points are available defence, with Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas all anticipated to be out till the New 12 months.
Konate and Bradley’s issues have been instantly clear, however the sight of Tsimikas on crutches and sporting a protecting boot at Anfield on Sunday signifies that the left-back has suffered a setback after what was initially reported as a knock.
With out these three gamers, Slot has solely Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson as senior choices on the again.
“To enter that month with solely 5 defenders just isn’t very best however it’s a part of everybody’s season,” the Dutchman mentioned.
“I belief the gamers we have now now that they’re doing all the pieces they will to remain match and we have now to make good choices to maintain them accessible for this month.”
Liverpool’s accessible squad vs. Newcastle
Goalkeepers: Kelleher, Jaros, Davies
Defenders: Van Dijk, Gomez, Quansah, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson
Midfielders: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Endo, Elliott, Morton, Nyoni, McConnell*
Forwards: Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez, Chiesa*, Danns*
* Will not be thought-about
