Liverpool will hope to dismiss their injury worries when they host Luton Town in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
The Reds saw Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez all sustain knocks in the 4-1 win at Brentford, though the midweek game offers a chance for Jurgen Klopp’s side to go five points clear at the top of the table.
However, with the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on the horizon, some squad rotation will likely take place at Anfield before the big day out at Wembley.
Here’s the side Klopp could pick on Wednesday for Luton’s visit.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher – Alisson missed the Brentford trip with a muscle issue. If his comeback is delayed until the Carabao Cup final, Irishman Kelleher will deputise on Wednesday.
RB: Conor Bradley – Was brilliant again against the Bees, continuing to soften the blow of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Cruelly broke the hearts of Liverpool fans by laughing off links with Kylian Mbappe. Perhaps it’s all a smoke screen?
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Knows his side are in a Premier League title battle with Manchester City and Arsenal and named the quality his side will need if they are to come out on top.
LB: Andy Robertson – Was excellent in defence on Saturday with a game-high four tackles, though was a little lucky to get away with a barge on Ivan Toney in the penalty area.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister – With injuries mounting up to Liverpool’s other options in midfield, Mac Allister’s attacking qualities should come to the fore in a more adventurous role.
CM: Wataru Endo – Has started twice since returning from the Asian Cup, picking up yellow cards in wins over Brentford and Burnley.
CM: Harvey Elliott – The likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones are sidelined and while Ryan Gravenberch is an option, Elliott has been influential in cameos recently and deserves a start.
RW: Mohamed Salah – Announced his return in emphatic fashion, scoring and assisting at the weekend, and may make his first start for Liverpool since New Year’s Day.
ST: Cody Gakpo – Darwin Nunez is likely to be protected after suffering an injury against Brentford, so Gakpo, who ended a goalless run of six games last time out, should get the central role.
LW: Luis Diaz – Was recently hailed by another Diaz – Sheffield United’s Ben Brereton – as the best South American player currently in the Premier League.
